Mark 16:15-18 | Caravaggio | The Conversion of Saint Paul

Mark 16:15-18   The Conversion of Saint Paul

The Conversion of Saint Paul,  Painted by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610), Painted circa 1601, Oil on cypress panel © Odescalchi Balbi Collection, Rome Jesus showed himself to the Eleven and said to them: ‘Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation. He who believes and is baptised will be saved; he who does not believe will be condemned. These are the signs that will be associated with believers: in my name they will cast out devils; they will have the gift of tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and be unharmed should they drink deadly poison; they will lay their hands on the sick, who will recover.’   READ MORE     Reflection on the Painting Caravaggio died as a young man. He was only 38. Our painting is one of at least two paintings by Caravaggio of the same subject, the Conversion of Saint Paul, which we celebrate today. Another is the Conversion of Saint Paul on the Road to Damascus, which is in the Cerasi Chapel of Santa Maria del Populo. That version has the classic depiction of Paul being knocked off his horse, his arms outstretched to heaven. Our painting today is a lesser known painting, but in my view, even more dramatic. The painting shows the moment when Saul of Tarsus on his way to Damascus to annihilate the Christian community there, is struck blind by a brilliant bright light and hears the voice of Christ saying ‘Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me’? Indeed, the light is the main feature in our painting too: the irrational light coming from multiple sources, highlighting details for their dramatic impact. We see Saint Paul being blinded by the light. Christ is in the top right corner (held back by an angel), talking to Saint Paul.  Paul’s Roman clothes are already stripped of him, signalling his conversion. I think there is no better way to illustrate what ‘conversion’ truly means than in the life of Saint Paul. Conversion signifies a total change. Paul’s identity, purpose, motivation, attitude and entire way of life were completely changed in this very moment. His purpose of destroying those who believed in Christ shifted to making known Christ’s message to all unbelievers. His attitude of hatred changed into love and compassion. Paul’s life and conversion are even more poignant for me, as our seminary is located right in front of the Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura, where Saint Paul is buried. Every other day I go to his tomb to pray. A powerful moment each time and a true inspiration... Sanctus Paulus, ora pro nobis! by Patrick van der Vorst