Week 17 of Ordinary Time

Now Saul, still breathing threats and beatings against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, and he petitioned him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that, if he found any men or women belonging to this Way, he could lead them as prisoners to Jerusalem. And as he made the journey, it happened that he was approaching Damascus. And suddenly, a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goad.” And he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do you want me to do?” And the Lord said to him, “Rise up and go into the city, and there you will be told what you ought to do.” Now the men who were accompanying him were standing stupefied, hearing indeed a voice, but seeing no one. Then Saul rose up from the ground. And upon opening his eyes, he saw nothing. So leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. And in that place, he was without sight for three days, and he neither ate nor drank.