Pauline Reflections 01 - 28th June 2008

PAUL: A FAITHFUL DISCIPLE OF CHRIST

A disciple is the one who follows and listens to the teachings and commands of his master and then acts on them. A disciple is not greater than his master but he emulates his master. Paul was a faithful disciple: soon after his conversion experience, his life turned around. Though not one of the chosen twelve apostles, he was named an apostle - to the gentiles. He demonstrated a strong zeal for the gospel of Jesus and, as a disciple, gave his entire life to this cause. 

He says almost nothing about the earthly life of Jesus. His profound encounter with the resurrected Jesus transformed his life to the extent that he could quote and refer to the commands of Jesus again and again. And in his enthusiasm he made the gospel his rule of life. “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel”1 Corinthians 9:16. Paul in one instance captures the words of Jesus, that married couples should not divorce in 1 Corinthians 11:10-11. In 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 he describes the actions and quotes the words of Jesus over the bread and wine at the last supper.

As a disciple, he was aware of emulating the example of his master in his suffering and death, thus he focuses on the Cross. “For Christ did not send me to baptise but to preach the gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning. The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” 1 Corinthians 1:17-18.

Death is not the end for the Christian; life triumphed over death by Christ’s death and resurrection. Paul made this known again and again. “But Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how can some among you say there is no resurrection of the dead?" 1 Corinthians 15:12. Death is now swallowed in the victory of the resurrection. “Death where is your victory? Death where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:55. He argues on this theme of the resurrection in the entire chapter 15 reassuring our faith.

True to his belief and conviction, according to ancient tradition, Paul suffered and died a Martyr near Rome at a place know as Tre Fontane during the persecution of Nero.

Prayer 

Lord Jesus Christ, as we dedicate this year to St. Paul, make me a faithful disciple like St Paul, willing to embrace the life of the cross and to look forward in hope to the new life of the resurrection. Amen.