The Sunday Sermon
By the Rev. Darren M. Henson Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Originally published 03:01 p.m., June 6, 2008
Updated 03:01 p.m., June 6, 2008
Summer is a time for renewal and recreation for students, young people, children, teachers, school administrators, and many others, even parents, grandparents, and society in general.
In just a few weeks, when summertime becomes official in the calendar, the Christian world will renew its interest and devotion in a major figure who forever shaped Christian society. On Sunday, June 28, Roman Catholics along with many others throughout Christianity will celebrate the liturgical feast of Saints Peter and Paul. The feast will get attention this year because it falls on a Sunday when most worshippers will be in their churches. Yet an even greater spotlight will shine, not just on that one day, but for an entire year. From June 28, 2008 until that date in 2009, all of Christianity will engage in a special year devoted to St. Paul for his 2,000th birthday.
St. Paul was born in Tarsus, part of current day Turkey, very shortly after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Most church historians believe his birth occurred between 7 A.D. and 10 A.D. St. Paul is remembered for many things. His historic story begins with his conversion on the road to Damascus, often embellished with the detail of getting knocked off his horse by blinding light (Acts 9:1-9). That experience was enough to convince this rebellious Jewish murderer to not only stop killing Christians, but become one of them. While Paul was not one of the 12 called by Christ along the shores of Galilee like the other Apostles, he was called. So intense was his conversion and his acute ability to listen to the word of God and preach the Gospel that he holds the title Apostle just like the 12 who were Jesus’ real life companions.
Half of the books in the New Testament are accredited to Paul’s preaching and writing. These are know as the Pauline letters. Some are addressed to particular communities in the Mediterranean region such as Romans, Corinthians, and Ephesians, while others were written to individuals — Timothy, Titus, Philemon. Of the more than dozen letters that bear his name, scripture scholars tell us that only seven are undisputedly his own: 1 Thessalonians, Galatians, Philippians, Philemon, 1 & 2 Corinthians, and Romans. Not unlike today, Paul often addressed a small Christian community living in a large secular city that lived in ways that were contrary to the Gospel preached by Christ Jesus. He addressed issues of life in a multiethnic and multiracial society, marital obligations, liturgical practices, church roles, faith, reconciliation, justification and much more. At times Paul admonishes his listeners for abandoning the unique way of living and relating called for by the Gospel. At other times, the preacher more gently encourages the people to imitate Christ with greater fervor.
A recurring theme in the Apostle’s preaching is unity among the peoples. Paul stresses that the saving acts of Christ Jesus are intended for both Jews and Gentiles — implying everyone. His writing still holds an important message for believers today. This emphasis on harmony and love within the Christian community is the reason for an entire year-long celebration honoring St. Paul. This year will have a strong ecumenical component. With disagreements and at times strong conflicts, St. Paul advocated for a united community. It is the entire community of believers that makes up the many parts in the Body of Christ.
He lived and worked for Christ, even to the point of dying a martyr’s death for the sake of the Gospel. He is an image for all believers today. Most Emporians will not be taking pilgrimages to Rome or to parts of Greece where Paul was known to preach — such as Ephesus or Corinth. However, we can strive with greater fervor to imitate his heroic and holy life, ponder more deeply and meditate upon his contributions to the Scriptures, and foster the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love. The greatest of these, is love (1 Cor. 13:13).
F “Sunday Sermon” is a forum for Emporia area ministers to share their sermons, thoughts and observations. This week’s sermon is from the Rev. Darren Henson, priest of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Emporia.