July 31 The Heart of St. Paul
One of the words used to describe the life of St. Paul is gratitude. In each of his letters, he begins by expressing gratitude to God for making him His minister, as well as to all who have received his message of Christ with an open heart. He knew that he was not alone in the world. Not only was the Spirit of Christ his constant companion, his thoughts and prayers were filled with the persons he met and served, and who, in turn, served him.
He tells the Ephesians: “I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him , having the eyes of your hearts enlightened that you may know the hope to which he has called you.” (Eph 1:16-18)
Paul was grateful that Jesus Christ revealed himself to him, and even more grateful that Jesus used him to carry on this message which enlightens all people in the truth. We too pass on the message of Christ through the practice of gratitude. Paul knows that everything he has ever received is a gift, and he needed to give all away as a gift. The kindness of every person is a visible reminder of the kindness of God. We can pass this on through the use of two simple words: “Thank you.” Whether it is thanks for a gift or a particular service or a compliment, it is something that recognizes that what we received is valuable to us. By recognizing the gift, we recognize the giver, and in recognizing the giver, we in turn recognize Christ. That is what the heart of St. Paul teaches us.
