Saint Paul’s entire life can be explained in terms of one experience—his meeting with Jesus on the road to Damascus. In an instant, he saw that all the zeal of his dynamic personality was being wasted. Perhaps he had never seen Jesus, who was only a few years older. But he had acquired a zealot’s hatred of all Jesus stood for, as he began to harass the followers of Jesus. Now he himself was consumed by Jesus’message and all his energy harnessed to one goal—being a slave of Christ in the ministry of reconciliation, an instrument to help others experience the one Savior.

One sentence determined his theology: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (Acts 9:5b). Jesus was mysteriously identified with people—the loving group of people Saul had been running down like criminals. Jesus, he saw, was the fulfillment of all he had been blindly pursuing.

From then on, his only work was to convert everyone to Christ. For Paul said “For this I labor and struggle, in accord with the exercise of his power working within me” (Colossians 1:28b-29). Paul’s life became a tireless proclaiming and living out of the message of the cross by baptizing and proclaiming the Gospel.

So Paul’s great message to the world was: You are saved entirely by God, not by anything you can do. Saving faith is the gift of total, free, personal and loving commitment to Christ, a commitment that then bears fruit in more “works” than the Law could ever contemplate and the Law that he persecuted Christian over.

Paul is undoubtedly hard to understand. His style often reflects the rabbinical style of argument of his day, and often his thoughts may seemed idealistic but, our great treasures of our faith.

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USCCB: Prolife message

Each year at Christmas we celebrate the birth of Christ our Savior. As we prepare for this joyful celebration, we recall the journey of the Holy Family from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Far from home, poor, and in great need, Mary and Joseph find refuge in a simple stable. But this humble setting among the livestock soon welcomes the heavenly host of angels and the infant Jesus himself. Today, many women find themselves pregnant, poor, without a home, and in great need. They often feel alone, scared, and overwhelmed, not knowing where to turn. During this challenging time, expectant mothers need a refuge of their own. Like the Holy Family, they are reliant on the kindness of others. This year, may the story of the first Christmas inspire us to reach out to mothers in need. May we be ready to offer loving support and encouragement as they prepare to welcome their children. By answering this call, may we too come to share in and witness to the miracle of new life. (Usccb.org/messageforlife).

Note: This weekend is Pro-life weekend. The Church encourages us to pray for the end of abortion.

Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Rev. Jeffrey W. Couture

I’d like to thank you all for your past generosity toward my Pastor’s Wish List.