Monday 25 January 2010

The Conversion of St Paul

Today is the feast of the Conversion of St Paul, one of the many Gospel scenes depicted in the Cathedral's stained glass. This scene is from a window at the east end of the Cathedral, behind the triptych. Paul (or perhaps, at this point, more accurately called 'Saul') is on the ground in the centre panel, with a light shining upon him from above. The New Testament contains several accounts of his conversion: in the Acts of the Apostles (chapters 9, 22 and 26) and - in his own words - in Galatians chapter 1. The liturgical calendar reminds us of the effects of Paul's conversion and his subsequent missionary zeal, for tomorrow we keep the feast of two of his converts, Saints Timothy and Titus.