One thing stands out not only in the life of St. Paul, but for all the Apostles and countless men and women who embraced Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour in the first century following the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. That is adversity and suffering.

A reading of the Acts of the Apostles and accounts of first century Christians reveals a profound and deep faith in Christ that so often culminated in torture and martyrdom.

Each of the Apostles suffered martyrdom. Even St John the beloved who died a natural death, is considered a martyr because he was thrown into boiling oil in an attempt to kill him and he was miraculously preserved from death. Poison was added to wine he drank and once again the prophecy of Mark 16:18 was fulfilled. (and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them.)

St. Paul when rescued from death in the shipwreck on the coast of Malta is preserved from death after being bitten by a venomous snake. This miracle opened the hearts of those who witnessed it, to embrace the Gospel and to this day Malta is the strongest Catholic country in Europe.

A reading of 2 Cor. 11: 23-33. lists the many sufferings Paul experienced in his physical body for the sake of the Gospel. But in this chapter I would like to focus on Paul’s burden for souls and his longing and hunger that he could snatch many from Satan’s grasp and win untold souls for Jesus.

His missionary zeal drives him ever onwards, preaching to his brother Jews and so often when they would not receive the Gospel he turns to the Gentiles, preaching Christ crucified and risen from the dead.

In 1 Cor. 9: 19-23. St. Paul speaks of becoming a slave for all so as to win over as many as possible. He who was once a persecutor of those who followed Christ now pleads with all he meets to listen to and embrace the Gospel. The good news of Jesus Christ. Why? Because he knows that our eternal destiny, either heaven or hell will be determined by our response to the Gospel. The Good news that Jesus is the Messiah, the only name under heaven whereby man may be saved. ( Acts 4:12) CCC 846-848. ( Catechism of the Catholic Church)

St. Paul speaks of the joy he experiences in suffering for the Church. Col 1:24. Even now I find my joy in the suffering I endure for you. In my own flesh I fill up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of his body, the Church.

He joins his sufferings to Christ so that we might embrace Christ more fully and in becoming holy merit the rewards of eternal life. Not that we can earn heaven, but that we would cooperate fully with the graces Christ pours out for our salvation.

One can feel his passion for the infant Church in Ephesians 4. Paul is a prisoner and cut off from his flock but hears of bickering and disunity amongst the people of God.

" I plead with you, then, as a prisoner for the Lord, to live a life worthy of the calling you have received, with perfect humility, meekness,and patience, bearing with one another lovingly. Make every effort to preserve the unity which has the Spirit as its origin and peace as its binding force. There is but one body and one Spirit, just as there is but one hope given all of you by your call. There is one Lord, one faith,one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all, and works through all, and is in all.

When we read these words we also should look intently into our own lives, examining our own conscience as to whether we are a source of unity or disunity in the body!

We know that St. Paul did persevere to the end of his life. He was victorious gaining the martyrs crown. So we also in our own lives, in our time, like St. Paul should ask God for the grace to persevere and also for a passion for souls just as he did.

We need not be afraid of adversity in our own lives, but like St. Paul we too may be victorious in adversity, faithful to Jesus and His Church.

His words in Phil 1:6 give us reason to hope. " I am sure of this much: that he who has begun the good work in you will carry it through to completion, right up to the day of Christ Jesus."

Peter Thompson.

St. Paul, pray for us.