St. Paul the Preacher

Saint Paul spent his life in preaching the Good News rather than making a written account as did the four evangelists. He was convinced that God had chosen him and set him apart before he was born to be a witness (Gal 1:15) Death for the sake of Christ was something to be valued. (Ph 1:21) The light of Christ penetrated his heart (2Cor 4:6) From heaven, God called him by his name to bear His Name. (Gal 1:15) He knew that Christ spoke directly to him, "...we are ambassadors of Christ." (2Cor 5:20) He was a witness and missionary – and it was to him that Ananias said, "…for you will be a witness for him to all men of what you have seen and heard." (Acts 22:15)

Paul is direct in declaring his vocation, "To me, although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ." (Eph 3:8) "Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel." (1Cor 9:16)

The Epistle (1Cor 15:1-11) appointed for today reminds us that we will be saved if we are unfailing in our proclamation of Christ…in other words, if we receive the message of Jesus and keep it in our hearts, especially our belief in His Death and Resurrection, because it is the Resurrection that is the very foundation of our faith. In describing himself as the least of the Apostles, Paul imitates his Master – that same Master who, because of His humility, was raised in glory to the highest heavens. Above all, the Apostle Paul, teaches us to rely absolutely on the Divine Grace imparted to us – and it is this very gift of grace that empowers us to be preachers in, and, of Jesus.

Issam John Darwish BSO, DD

Eparch

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