July 11 The Heart of St. Paul
How does Paul see himself? We know that he was a preacher and a teacher, but that does not answer how he sees himself. Galatians 2:20 gives us a clear answer: “I have been crucified with Christ: It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.” Does Paul mean to say that he is possessed by Christ? I don’t think so. By an act of faith, Pul has made himself a servant of Jesus Christ. In that act of faith, Paul welcomes the Spirit of Christ into his soul and the Spirit shapes in his heart the very being of Christ. Paul desires to live as Christ lived, pouring out his heart and soul in preaching the Gospel so that the world may know the life and light of Christ.
He empties himself of his own hopes and dreams so that the real hopes and dreams that God has for him can be brought to fulfillment. Paul is not like a robot mindlessly taking orders from Christ. By his own free will, Paul chooses to allow the Word of God through the power of the Holy Spirit to shape his own life so that through Paul’s actions, Christ acts; through Paul’s preaching, Christ preaches; Paul’s sufferings are Christ’s sufferings. He knows that Jesus Chrst is the primary minister, preacher and priest of the faith and by his love and service of Christ, he becomes truly free.
Paul asks the believers around him to follow his example. If Christ lives in our heart, we may suffer, but not alone. When we speak, Christ’s words give life. When we love, we will discover that our love is purer and stronger than if it came from us alone, becuase it truly comes from the Sacred Heart of Christ.
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