The first verse of the ninth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles tells us that Saul (Paul) was still "breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord". By verse 16 he has been baptised and is preaching Jesus as Son of God in the synagogues. This extraordinary change was brought about by a transformative meeting with the Jesus he was persecuting.

Knowing of this meeting we can better understand how Paul came to write the Letter to the Romans from which today's first reading is taken. Romans is one of the most important religious writings ever produced. Today's reading introduces us to "the obedience of the Faith" This obedience is a knowledge of God's action in the world and in human hearts. From this knowledge can spring a new and better life, thanks to the death and resurrection of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

We must thank God that Paul was more open to God's loving plans than were his fellow Pharisees of today's Gospel. Some of the Pharisees and scribes that Jesus encountered could not even consider the possibility that Jesus' exorcisms of evil spirits might authenticate his claims. They wanted a sign that was beyond any possibility of doubt. In the real world such signs do not exist because a firmly closed mind will not allow us to accept even the most obvious truth.