Happy feast of the Conversion of Paul! Based on Caravaggio’s artistic portrayal of this remarkable encounter with Jesus, I may bear some physical resemblance to the one after whom I was named: ‘a man of small stature, with a bald head and crooked legs’. Sadly, in terms of character, I fear that I possess more of Paul’s weaknesses than his strengths.

But what a great role model for an archdeacon: travelling from place to place, encouraging the people of God, and walking alongside them in their trials. Paul doesn’t mention a pandemic, but it’s a pretty impressive list of challenges that he faces: near death, violence, persecution, imprisonment, shipwreck, starvation, weather, wayward churches (2 Cor 11).

This year, as we reflect upon Paul’s life and conversion, I give particular thanks for his endurance, perseverance and witness to the God whose grace is sufficient for us and whose power is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor 12:9). As we face the trials of our own day, let us pray for that same power in our lives and for the faith, hope and love which it generates.