....................The Freedom of Sons.................

 

Paul knew that the name of God was no longer YHWA, the sacred name that could be uttered only by the high priest, and only once a year.

God was now so close that he could be called :Abba", or "Dad".

We can speak to God and be sure that he hears us, because He loves us just as He loves only Son.

He loves us as He loves Himself.

If we are now co-heirs with Christ, what will He refuse us?

The spirit himself and our spirit bear united witness that we are children of God. And if we are children we are heirs as well, heirs of God and coheirs with Christ, sharing his sufferings so as to share his glory(Romans 8:15-17).

What father among you would hand his son a stone when he asked for bread?

Or hand him a snake instead of a fish?{...}If you then, who are evil, know how to give your children what is good, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!(Luke 11:11-13).

"You have received the spirit of adoptive sons, and it makes us cry out:abba, father!"

...................The Freedom of Love................

For Paul, true freedom was in love, the love of the one who was crucified to save His persecutors, including Saul...

Paul's greatest source of suffering was the Jews who did not convert  to Christ.

Paul went so far as to wish his own damnation if this would serve to save his brothers.

Even though Paul was always travelling further to reach the pagans, his first stop in every citywas always a synagogue.

He knew that God was faithful, and that the chosen people would always remain that.

If the sacrifice of Abraham's son merited descendents as numerous as the stars of heaven, how much more will be merited by the sacrifice of the Son of God?

I made myself all things to all men in order to save some at any cost (First letter to the Corinthians).

I would willingly be condemned and be cut off from Christ  if it could help my brothers of Israel, my own flesh and blood.(Roman 9:3)

Do not be afraid of Christ! He will not take anything from you, but will give you everything.

Whoever offres himself to him, will receive a hundredfold.

So, yes, open up the doors for Christ- and you will find true life.(Benedict XVI).

 

................Joyful in Sufferings..............

 

Paul's mission was not Lacking in difficulties.

He acknowledged there were hardships, imprisonment and beatings, and that he had often been in danger of death.

A list of Paul's sufferings was compiled in the year 57, and we know that it could be significantly expanded, and eventually include the martyrdom he suffered in Rome in the year 64. But Paul did not just want to list his sufferings.

In fact, he adds: "It makes me happy to suffer for you, as I am sufferings now, and in my own body to do what I can to make  up all that has still to be undergone by Christ for the sake of his body, the Church"(Col 1:24).

The sufferings of Christ foreshadowed and gave meaning to the sufferings endured by the Apostle.

For Paul, giving his whole self for Jesus was the greatest joy, the joy of becoming totally one with Him.

This sentiment is felt very strongly in his letters.

He does underline some of the sufferings he went through, but not to complain but to proclaim the certain source of his joy.

Five times i had thirty-nine lashes from the Jews , three times I have been beaten with sticks, once I was stoned , three times i have been shipwrecked and once adrift in the open sea for a night and a day.

Constantly travelling, i have been in  danger from rivers and in danger from brigands in danger from my own people and in  danger from pagans, in danger in the towns, in danger in the open country, danger at sea and danger from so-called brothers.

I have worked and laboured, often without sleep, I have been hungry and thirsty and often starving, I have been in the cold without clothes.

And, to leave out much more, there is my daily preoccupation, my anxiety for all the Churches(Second letter to the Corinthians 11:24-28).