From Enemy to Friend

There are certainly many people who are mentioned in the Bible who do great acts about whom we know little to nothing. Ananias is one of them. He is only mentioned twice in the whole of the New Testament – here and in chapter 22 when Paul, before the high council recounts his conversion. Ananias was an early convert to the Way (as the Christians called themselves). Paul tells us that Ananias “was a devout man according to the Law and well spoken about by all the Jews in Damascus.” I note this to point out that Ananias, by answering God’s call, changed the course of the world. To do so he had to conquer the fear and hate he had for Paul. Paul’s reputation was far and wide. I would guess that Ananias personally knew some of the Christians that Paul persecuted, arrested, and imprisoned. Paul was an enemy. Yet God called him to visit this enemy and make him a friend. 

This all brings me to a few reflections. I wonder what any of us would have done if God called us to visit someone who has imprisoned our friends and had even stood by and supported the killing of some of them? Would you have gone? I am not sure I would have. Although Ananias might have had an advantage on us. He could well have been one of those followers who had seen Jesus alive after the resurrection. We would have to do so by faith alone.  Although, unlike Ananias, we have a great many examples in history of others who have given up many things to answer God’s call.  A second reflection revolves around Ananias’ anonymity. It seems that he was uninterested in being remembered or lifted up. He saw the community – the Way – as important, not his own desire and fame. He did what God called him to do with no fan-fare or expectation of reward and then faded from history. He left his ego behind and followed Jesus. The last point I wish to raise is the contrast between Paul’s response to the Lord and Ananias’ response. Paul asks, “Who are you, Lord?” Ananias answers, “Here I am, Lord.” Ananias knew the Lord when he spoke, Paul could only guess. That difference comes from their perspectives and lifestyle. Ananias had met the Lord while Paul had not. Ananias lived in a community of believers, Paul did not. Ananias prayed to the Lord asking for hope and guidance, and listened for a response. Paul knew the answers and did not listen until he was struck blind. A metaphor of what he had been all along.

We who are now members of the community of believers called by many names – the Way, Christians, the Church, the Body of Christ – are members with Ananias, Paul, and all the saints who have gone before us. We are called to share the gifts that we have with others. Sometimes that call is to the people we know, sometimes to our enemies. Peter learned that. Jesus asked him three times if he loved him and each time Peter answered in the affirmative Jesus told him to feed his sheep. We have been asked the same question countless times. We have not always answered as Peter did. What will be your answer next time? May it be, “Here I am, Lord.”

Christ is risen!

He is risen indeed. Alleluia!