In the book of Acts we read of "Saul, yet breathing out threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord," as he journeyed to Damascus, and of the light that suddenly "shined round about him ... from heaven." Like Saul, each mortal at some period of his life travels the road to Damascus. Whether or not he sees the light from heaven, and hears the voice, depends upon how he is attuned to spiritual harmony.
Those traveling with Saul of Tarsus "stood speechless, hearing a voice;" but we have no record that they heeded the vision. Saul alone rose transformed from the experience. Possibly the others were momentarily amazed; but they blundered on their way again, content to let the incident pass from their thought. It may be they were even anxious to stop thinking of it, as something that might force them to face spiritual facts; for it is the way of so-called mortal mind to resist anything out of its common, everyday groove of action.
A light from heaven! A converted Saul, whose "threatenings and slaughter" had been renounced! It is possible that the men who were accompanying Soul of Tarsus on his destructive campaign felt a distinct disappointment in having their mission cut short. Mrs. Eddy tells us in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 255), "Mortal man has made a covenant with his eyes to belittle Deity with human conceptions." Only too often mortal man is found inclined to belittle any manifestation of heavenly light that crosses his way. But from the company that traveled to Damascus, one was given to the world whose influence, after many centuries, still lives, quickening thousands of struggling men to renewed inspiration and endeavor. The light on the road to Damascus brought out a figure that stands to-day, in a somewhat chaotic world, scarcely less impressively than did that which appeared in the vision to Saul. His experience is a constant encouragement as we journey on. Wherever the light of heaven shines, some blinded eyes are opened. A dozen or a thousand may pass unheeding; but if a single one sees the light and understands its meaning, then the light has not shined in vain.
