ST. PAUL
ST. PAUL
FEASTS January 25, June 29, November 18
LIFE Originally called Saul of Tarsus. Not one of the original 12 Apostles, but traditionally included in their company. Tentmaker, Talmudic student of Gamaliel, Roman citizen, and Pharisee. Fervently persecuted Christians, even assisting at the stoning of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Experienced a powerful encounter with God that caused him to rethink his whole life. Was baptized, given a new name, and began praying, traveling, and preaching, enduring many hardships along the way. Wrote 13 books of the New Testament. Martyred circa 64 in Rome.
SYMBOLS In one hand, St. Paul holds a sword, representing his death by decapitation. The scroll in his other hand represents the letters he wrote to members of the Early Church.
PATRONAGE Catholic Action, Cursillo movement, evangelists, lay people, missionary bishops, musicians, writers, journalists, publishers, public relations work, rope makers, saddlers, tentmakers, hailstorms, snake bite sufferers, Malta, Rome
SCRIPTURE TO PONDER I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:14-19 NRSV
Transformed
Young Saul’s religious fervor was something God could step into and redirect. St. Paul’s ensuing holy ardor changed the world.
Would I like to be as confident in my personal relationship with the Lord as St. Paul? Would there need to be a breakthrough first?