Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Following Paul


As most of you know, we are in the middle of celebrating the Pauline year. I'm ashamed to say that before this year, I did not know Paul's story that well. Sure, I knew his letters from the readings in Church, and from my own Bible studies. But I had never taken the time to understand who he was and what he meant to the Church.

Slowly but surely, I changed that. I've done a lot of online research about him. I also read Peter, Paul, and Mary Magdalene, by Bart Ehrman, and
What Paul Meant by Garry Wills. And I was fortunate enough to visit St. Paul Outside the Wall in Rome (a very moving experience).

Each day I am blown away about what Paul did and how much he meant to our Catholic faith. Paul's passion and dedication to the Lord - despite having persecuted against him earlier in his life - is Divine intervention at its best.

I was equally surprised to learn that earliest account of the Resurrection is found in Paul's letters (1 Cor 15:3-7) not the Gospels!

I plan on continuing my "Pauline education" throughout the year and beyond. There is much to learn from this great apostle.

Do any of you have any good Paul books or facts you would like to share?

God Bless.

2 comments:

Anne said...

I to have been thinking about St. Paul, and don't know much about him. Sorry I can't recommend any books but I do know that Fr. Mitch Packla talks about him in a series on EWTN. You have a really nice blog. It's makes me want to return and read some more and I know I will. Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. Oh, and becoming a follower.

Michael said...

Thanks Anne! I'll have to check out EWTN. As you know I really enjoy your blog as well. (Readers can check out Anne's blog here.)