PAUL THE INTREPID

PAUL THE INTREPID

During recent weeks the daily readings from Scripture have centered on St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians. This letter has been called the “Queen of Epistles” and was noted as Martin Luther’s all-time favorite, because Paul is so direct and so positive in his instruction on how to live one’s life in Christ. In his book, Letter to the Galatians,William Barclay writes: 

“As Paul composed his letters, he had in his mind’s eye a vision of the folk to whom he was writing and he was pouring out his heart to them in words that fell over each other in his eagerness to help.”

Imagine, if you will, how Paul went about his mission. He would enter a town or city where he was a stranger.  He would locate the marketplace. He set up his stall and then seek out the Jews of the region. He would just talk to people.

Someone asks, “What brings you here?“

He answers, “I have good news.”  And it began.  Then at the end of the day, he would go back to his rooms and write encouraging letters to the last community he visited.  

When compared with Paul and his travels, the journeys of Marco Polo and Columbus and others, pale because of what drove him.   Instead of treasure seeking, or exploration, or conquest of lands and people, he only sought to bring the Good News of Christ.  

Spreading the Good News is an integral part of our faith, but we do not do it.  We feel tongue tied or fearful we will be regarded as nutty or any excuse you can think of.  

The first step is to actually believe what you say you believe.  The second is to know the words of Paul that you can use.  Study the epistles.  Take to heart the words he used to share Christ.  

To someone who is in despair; “Who can separate us from the love of God?”   

To someone who is uncertain of their ability; “There are many ministries but the same Spirit.”

Advice to a young person going to college; “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. “

The third is to trust in the power of the Spirit.  If we really, really did trust the Spirit, nothing could stop us.

The world needs Christ so badly.  We have Him. Sharing Him and his love is our duty. We need to be like Paul. Be steadfast, speak up, fight back against racism, violence, discrimination or greed, all of which taint the world.  The Spirit is stronger than all of it. Be calm, be courageous and watch for signs.  As the prophet told Samuel, when you speak to God say; “Speak Lord, your servant is listening. 

Carol Lemelin OPA

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