Feast Day: June 29
Before St. Paul the apostle became a zealous follower of Christ, he was the much-feared Jewish Saul of Tarsus, a Roman city in a province of present-day Turkey. Saul was an infamous persecutor of early Christians until his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. Unthinkable that a staunch believer of Judaism could suddenly turn into a Gentile? Not when Jesus gets into the act. Like when a stroke of lightning blinded him and a thunderous voice boomed from the heavens, “Saul, Saul, why dost thou persecute me?”
Saul shifted directions when his sight returned after a few days. Who wouldn’t? He began to preach the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. The change in him was so radical he preached the gospel even inside synagogues! Clearly, these were Jewish holy territories, definitely off-limits to evangelizing Christians. Paul’s gumption incurred the hatred of his fellow Jews who drove him out of the city. Isn’t it ironic that it was this Jew who had brutally killed early Christians thereby quashing newly-formed groups of budding Christians?
The tables have turned, St. Paul was now at the receiving end of relentless persecution. Undaunted, he tirelessly travelled far and wide to spread the Word of God, imbued as ever with missionary fervor. It was then that he journeyed to Jerusalem to give his respects to the head of the Church, St. Peter.
His being both a Jew and a Roman citizen influenced Jewish and Roman audiences alike enabling him to form many Christian communities. Returning to Tarsus, he evangelized province mates, converting many to Christianity. In the span of twenty years, St. Paul founded many churches in Asia Minor (now the Middle East) and Europe.
Still, the persecution went on. He was imprisoned for his beliefs not once but twice. After his release, he traveled to Spain and the East. Returning to Rome, he was jailed again, this time even chained, until he was beheaded in AD 67.
St. Paul the Apostle is one of the most important figures of the Apostolic age. Of the 27 books of the New Testament, he wrote seven epistles. Scholars undisputedly say these are his authentic works. Six others are also attributed to him but this is under argument. Still, seven is a considerable number. Not only that, about half of the Acts of the Apostles is devoted to his life and works. How influential could he be? Rightly so, as he was a deep theological thinker. Endowed with leadership qualities, his hand in the development of Christianity is undeniable. Today, many churches are named in honor of St. Paul the apostle all over the Christian world as well as schools, hospitals, even Catholic printing presses.
Patronage:
Saint Paul is the patron saint of numerous cities, including Rome, Malta, and London. He is also the patron saint of missionaries, theologians, and evangelists due to his significant role in spreading the Christian faith.
Prayer:
Dear Saint Paul,
You were once a fierce persecutor of the early Christians but were transformed by a divine encounter with Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus. Your life's journey became an inspiring example of God's boundless grace and the power of conversion.
Help us, Saint Paul, to find the strength and courage to overcome our own shortcomings and obstacles on our spiritual paths. Inspire us to live lives of faith, love, and service to others, just as you did. Pray for us as we seek to deepen our relationship with God and spread the message of Christ's love to all people, just as you did during your missionary journeys.
May your example remind us that God's grace is always available to transform our lives and lead us on a path of righteousness. Amen.
Reflection:
*The life of Saint Paul is a testament to the transformative power of faith and divine intervention. His conversion from a persecutor of Christians to one of the most influential figures in the history of Christianity illustrates the possibility of redemption and renewal for all of us.
We, too, may have moments in our lives when we feel lost, misguided, or distant from God. Saint Paul's story reminds us that God's grace is always at work, seeking to bring us closer to Him. We can find inspiration in his journey of faith and his unwavering commitment to spreading the message of Christ's love and salvation.
As we reflect on Saint Paul's life, let us remember that no one is beyond God's reach, and it is never too late to turn our lives around and follow the path of righteousness. Let us strive to be instruments of God's love and grace in the world, just as Saint Paul was, and trust that God can work miracles in our own lives as well.
*St. Paul the apostle’s one-hundred-eighty-degree-turn from persecutor of Christians to indefatigable worker for Christ is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Imagine such a notorious sinner instantly transforming into a saint. If he can do it, then so can ordinary sinners like you and I.
