Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul

Good morning. There is an old folk hymn which talks about how despite the trials and tribulations we encounter in life we cannot help but continue to be joyful. The song, entitled How Can I Keep From Singing was made popular in the 60’s by folk singers such as Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie and the like. It talks of making fresh each day a sense of newness, of peace knowing there is a promise of a better life. It is one of those songs which one can’t shake once it gets into your head, and as I read today’s first reading from Acts this morning and the reminder from the Gospel for each of us to proclaim the Good News I just couldn’t keep myself from singing over and over in my head this joyful reminder of the opportunity each of us has to awaken each day to an opportunity for conversion. Each day we have the opportunity to awaken and turn our lives around, to say “YES!” to the grace available to us and to likewise direct that grace to our spouse. God’s presence is everywhere. He is present in each other and the more we are aware of this the more joy we are able to find in our self. What an immense joy it is in knowing God’s presence in our lives, of being aware of His presence in our spouse and sharing that presence with each other in each and every moment God makes available to us. Each and every day we have the opportunity to become sharers in God’s sanctifying power through making a difference in the life of our spouse and help them find the joy that rings out in knowing the goodness of having God in our life. Knowing this, how can we keep from singing? Make a great day!

Today we celebrate the Conversion of Saint Paul.


How Can I Keep From Singing  My life flows on in endless song; Above earth's lamentation, I hear the sweet, tho' far-off hymn That hails a new creation; Thro' all the tumult and the strife I hear the music ringing; It finds an echo in my soul-- How can I keep from singing? What tho' my joys and comforts die? The Lord my Saviour liveth; What tho' the darkness gather round? Songs in the night he giveth.nvers No storm can shake my inmost calm While to that refuge clinging; Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, How can I keep from singing? I lift my eyes; the cloud grows thin; I see the blue above it; And day by day this pathway smooths, Since first I learned to love it; The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart, A fountain ever springing; All things are mine since I am his-- How can I keep from singing?