The Year of Saint Paul

When Pope Benedict XVI declared The Year of St. Paul, to commemorate the 2000th anniversary of the great apostle’s birth, the Church was blessed with the opportunity to get to know Paul once again. In my own faith journey, Paul has been a figure that I have tried to avoid. He is too controversial, too confrontational, too challenging for my tastes. In some ways it seemed as though Paul had become the domain of Protestants, while Roman Catholics focused on the Gospels. Rightly or wrongly, I struggled with Paul.
This year of renewed focus on Paul has truly been a blessing. The man from Tarsus became a true figure of faith to me. The only other time I can honestly remember appreciating Paul was when I took an introductory course on the New Testament with Fr. Paul Broadhurst CSB, when I was a student at St. John Fisher College. He is without a doubt one of the greatest teachers I have ever had.
As Vocation Director, I have used this year of Paul to reflect upon Paul’s call and how he responded to it. Paul was an intelligent man, proud of his faith and concerned about that faith’s role in the Roman world. When that concern led to his persecution of followers of Jesus, Paul was confronted by Christ and challenged with blindness. Christ called Paul directly, but that call meant others were needed as well. Ananias, Barnabas, Peter, and more had a part to play to supporting that call and leading Paul to the understanding of Christ’s teaching that would drive Paul all across the Mediterranean.
As we wind up this year of Paul and prepare for a year dedicated to the Priesthood, let each of us reflect upon those moments in our lives, when Christ’s truth was so bright and clear that it knocked us to the ground. Let us open our eyes to those young men who may have a similar experience, but need a new Ananias to help restore their sight. They may need a new Barnabas to accompany them in their new works of faith for the gospel.
As we enter the summer months, let us give thanks for the example of Paul and his answering of the Lord’s call to bring the Gospel to the world. That is our call, as well.