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In response to Pope Benedict’s commemoration of the upcoming year as “The Year of St. Paul,” we will highlight each issue of our newsletter this year with a question from 101 Questions & Answers on Paul, by Ronald D. Witherup, SS.
I would like to carefully rephrase your question. I presume that you mean, “Did Paul ever physically encounter Jesus of Nazareth?” You may be aware of the distinction that scholars often make between the “historical Jesus,” “the real Jesus,” and the “risen Christ” (see John P. Meier. A Marginal Jew: Rethinking the Historical Jesus, Vol 1 [New York: Doubleday, 1991], pp. 21-40). Without getting sidetracked into the details of the search for the “historical Jesus,” I should indicate why the distinction is important for understanding Paul. Paul apparently did not meet Jesus of Nazareth in person. But Paul would insist that he had encountered Jesus of Nazareth (the expression “of Nazareth” does not appear in Paul’s letters) as the risen Christ. Paul especially insists on this point in First Corinthians. He asks forcefully, “Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?” (1 Cor 9:1). In his famous passage on the resurrection he testifies that he, no less than the other apostles, has been privileged to “see” the risen Lord whose call authenticates his position as an apostle (1 Cor 15:8-10). He also asserts that he received his commission by “revelation” from the risen Jesus himself (Gal 1:12). For Paul, one does not need to have known Jesus of Nazareth in person during his earthly ministry to have a valid encounter with him.
Another facet of your question is to examine carefully the language Paul uses about Jesus. Notice, for instance, that his favorite expression is “Christ Jesus” (Rom 3:24; 1 Cor 1:1; 4:15; Gal 2:4; 3:36. 28, etc.) rather than our customary “Jesus Christ” that literally means Jesus Messiah. The notion of messiah (Hebrew mašiah="anointed one”), of course, derives from a Jewish background. In the OT it designates kings and prophets who were anointed by God to serve the people (Pss 2:2; 89:21). Later it figures in Christian thought as it was applied through a complex history that we cannot explain here, to Jesus as messiah or “the Christ.” With the exception of a few scattered references in the NT, Paul is the only one to use the expression “Christ Jesus” dozens of times. Paul never uses the term “Christ” with the definite article (i.e., “the messiah” ) except in Romans 9:5, where the term is more generic in the context of a list of God’s gifts to the Israelites. Perhaps by Paul’s time, the word “Christ” (from Greek, christos=messiah, anointed one) had already begun to take on the characteristics of a name rather than a title. Paul gives this new impetus by transposing the words and placing “messiah” before Jesus’ proper name so that, in effect, Christ functions more as a name than a title (cf. Matt 16:16; Mark 8:29; 1 John 2:22; 5:1). For Paul, Jesus is Christ by virtue of his death and resurrection (1 Cor 15:3-4). That is why Paul can claim to be no less an apostle than others who were called by Jesus during his earthly ministry.
This response essentially assures us that all succeeding generations of Jesus’ disciples, including ourselves, can be called by Christ Jesus. We, no less than our predecessors, have the opportunity to encounter the risen Lord just as Paul did.
Excerpts from 101 Questions & Answers on Paul, by Ronald D. Witherup, SS. Copyright © 2003 by Ronald D. Witherup, SS. Paulist Press, Inc., New York/Mahwah, NJ. Reprinted by permission of Paulist Press, Inc. www.paulistpress.com
Macrina Wiederkehr, OSB
In these two short chapters to the Thessalonians, it is obvious that Paul holds dear this community of faith and yearns to keep close connection to them. He wants these followers of Jesus to live in such a way that they might become an example to other Gentiles. What is so attractive about this letter is how pastoral it is; no authoritarian tone is present. The loving concern and devotion of Paul’s words to these disciples is remarkably tender. It is a quality that those among us who proclaim the Good News to others might want to imitate. You, too, are a disciple who has been taught by others. Who have been your teachers and mentors in learning to love the Word of God? Spend some time pondering this question. Pray for your teachers and thank them if possible.
Paul expresses delight and passion as he writes to this community of converts in Thessalonica. He is joyful in hearing about their labor of love and wants them to remember the truth that they have been chosen and set apart. The Word they received was empowered by the Holy Spirit. As we look at our own still developing relationship with Jesus, we might want to examine our hearts concerning how we, too, have turned from idols to serve the Living God. What idols do you still juggle in your personal life? Do you feel chosen? Are you able to experience the power of the Holy Spirit as you read the words of Scripture?
In praying with these Scripture passages, it is heart-stirring to see the enthusiasm with which Paul attempts to encourage, support, and affirm his disciples. It is no secret that Paul and his colleagues have taken great risks and endured harassment in offering the Word of God to others. In spite of the suffering they experienced they were filled with loving boldness. They were impelled to continue proclaiming the Gospel in spite of opposition. They were zealous in preaching because they truly felt entrusted with the message. They came not with mandates but as devoted parents nurturing their children. Can you identify with Paul’s great passion for the Word of God? Are you willing to take to heart the people to whom you minister? How would your ministry change if you experienced feeling utterly entrusted with the Word of God? Practice remembering that the Word of God is not empty but filled with God’s truth.
Sadly, the beauty of this pastoral gem has been marred because of a rather vicious anti-Semitic passage that was likely inserted in Paul’s letter at a later date and numbered as 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16. Yet in Paul’s letter to the Romans (3:9-11), he emphatically stresses that all are under the dominion of sin. All are guilty. We must all take responsibility for the sin that is ours. We ought not lay blame for the death of Jesus on any one group of people. Blaming others is never a responsible way of living and it is certainly not conducive to the Christian way of life.
In rereading these first two chapters to the Thessalonians, I am once again moved by Paul’s obvious intent toward encouragement. I have no doubt that these encouraging words for the Thessalonians are also intended for struggling Christians, of today. To summarize the message gleaned from these directives given to first century Christians here is my paraphrase of Paul’s message. As you read these words try to imagine that your present day teachers are speaking to you today in this 21st century.
Our hearts are stirred in memory of all of you who struggle to live a Christian life. With the tenderness of a loving mother and father we have nurtured you with truth. Your faithful reception to the Word of God fills us with a joyful gratitude. With jubilation we behold your abiding love and constant hope. Your faith in the midst of trials is astounding. Truly you have understood that the words given to you are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. You have received these words with joy and shared them with enthusiasm.
If you remember nothing else of the Good News that has been proclaimed to you, remember this: You are dear—dear to God and to the ones who have given you these words of life. You are our glory and joy. We sing praises before God because of you. The Word of God has been entrusted to you and you have proved yourselves worthy of that trust. Continue to live anointed with the Word of God. Never forget how dear you are.
Your next word to romance is 1 Thessalonians: 5:1-26.
Cackie Upchurch
As indicated at the start of this newsletter, the end of June marks the beginning of a special year in our church. Pope Benedict XVI has declared June 28, 2008 through June 29, 2009 as a time to celebrate the bimillennium of the birth of St. Paul, which scholars place sometime between 7 and 10 AD. More importantly, it is a time to reexamine the tremendous influence of this apostle to the Gentiles. He is indeed "a man for all seasons" and we use this year to reacquaint ourselves with him and his message.
During this year, plan with your group to study any of the biblical books written by or attributed to Paul. But don't stop there. Read one of the many good books written by Catholic scholars whose life work has made them experts on Paul's life and theology. Here are a few that we recommend.
101 Questions & Answers on Paul by Ronald D. Witherup (© 2003, Paulist Press) is a perfect starting point. This book uses a simple Q & A approach to provide information, settle burning questions, and provide a cohesive approach to his writing. The material is organized in categories so that readers can zero in on particular issues that are of interest – Paul's life and ministry, Paul the person, Paul's communities and companions, his letters, his theology, his ethics, and his legacy. The book closes with a valuable list of recommended reading for those who want to dig deeper.
In 2007, Witherup completed another very helpful book on Paul, this one published by St. Anthony Messenger Press. Saint Paul, Called to Conversion is presented as a seven-day retreat for individuals to use privately, but it also makes a good read and discussion guide for small groups. After a plain-spoken introduction to Paul, each 'day' of reading contains an introduction to that day's theme, a thoughtful prayer to set the tone, a few pages of reflection on specific passages in Paul's writing, a reflective exercise and closing prayer.
Paul, His Story (© 2004, Oxford University Press) is a beautifully crafted invitation to meet Paul in his environment. Jerome Murphy-O'Connor, one of the world's most respected Pauline experts, offers a unique 'biography' of Paul based on scriptural evidence, an understanding of ancient Mediterranean culture, and a lively well informed imagination. This book reads like a novel.
Cackie Upchurch
Surely no one would deny the profound influence of the apostle Paul throughout Christian history. Not only did he evangelize beyond the reaches of his own Jewish tradition, thus opening the Gospel to a larger world, but through his writings he has provided the language of faith that has been on the lips of every generation of believers.
If we know ourselves as the Body of Christ, it is largely because the church draws this image from writing attributed to Paul (1 Cor 12:12-13; Eph 1:22-23; Col 1:24). If we experience the activity of God in our lives and call it grace, it might just be because of Paul (Eph 1:7-8; Rom 6:14). If we can acknowledge our own gifts and the gifts of others as necessary to the kingdom, that's Paul too (1 Cor 12).
In the Year of Paul, beginning on his feast day of June 28, consider reintroducing yourself to this early leader of our church. Learn to appreciate his contributions to your own faith. Imagine what we might have missed had he not responded to God's call. And then ask yourself how God is calling you.
From October 5 - 26, the world Synod of Bishops will focus on “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church.” These weeks will provide a time for examination of and reflection on the growth and understanding of biblical studies since its encouragement in the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, Dei Verbum, which was promulgated at Vatican Council II. Let us pray for a deeper love and appreciation of God’s Word as a result of this time of reflection.
Some good feedback…“LRSS is a blessing for me!” These were the words of a retired Sister who has been using LRSS materials in a number of locations since 1974. She stopped by our exhibit at the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership to acknowledge her own growth in understanding Scripture, and the importance of lay leadership at the local level. She is now planning to use what she has learned to provide Scripture story time for third and fourth graders!
We also received the following e-mail from a woman in Canada who attended a national conference and was looking for a Scripture study to bring to her diocese: “Without exception, the recommendation was that no Scripture series could match 'Little Rock' to feed the people in the pews.”
Thank you to all who use LRSS materials and make it possible for us to receive such heart-warming compliments.
Our new online series What the Bible Says About… is available for you to download and use free of charge. In addition to The Rapture, which was released last fall, Six Days to Create the World is now available Being Born Again, and Faith & Works will be available this fall. If you want to be notified when each title becomes available online, please sign up at our website.
Parables of the Kingdom – Part Two will be available in August, making use of the second half of Mary Ann Getty Sullivan's commentary, Parables of the Kingdom. This study takes up with the parables unique to Matthew, and those developed by Luke. Lecturers include Dan Hennessey, Catherine Upchurch, Karen Wenzel, and Clifford M. Yeary. 7 sessions.
The new edition of Second Corinthians will also be available in August and makes use of the New Bible Collegeville Commentary written by Maria A. Pascuzzi. Groups will be able to make use of the existing wrap-up lectures produced in 2003 featuring Roy Goetz, Dan Hennessey, Judy Hoelzeman, Therese McFall, Catherine Upchurch, and Clifford M. Yeary. 7 sessions.
Just in time for a new liturgical year, the new edition of The Gospel According to Mark will also be available in August. The New Collegeville Commentary is written by Marie Noonan Sabin. Lecturers include Dan Borlik, CM, John Hall, Mary Lou Stubbs, DC, Catherine Upchurch, Gregory Wolfe, Linda Webster, and Clifford M. Yeary. 10 sessions.
Look for A Year of Sundays 2009 and Un ano de Domingos 2009 which will be released in August. This book of reflections on the Sunday gospels, as well as those of Christmas, Ash Wednesday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday has become a welcome tool for many. It is just the right size and just the right price, makes a thoughtful gift for catechists, lectors, RCIA and other parish groups.
Informational and Enrichment Workshops offer clear information, hands-on experience, and practical tips for establishing and growing Bible study using LRSS materials and methods. For very little expense, a diocese can arrange to host a workshop that will benefit parishes throughout the diocese. For more information, contact: Susan McCarthy, RDC, P.O. Box 7565, Little Rock, AR 72217; (501) 664-6102 or (501) 366-5691; or by e-mail at smccarthy@dolr.org.
June 28, 2008
Informational Workshops
Archdiocese of New York
September 6, 2008
Informational Workshop
Diocese of Providence
October 11, 2008
Informational Workshop
Diocese of Orange
November 1 - 2, 2008
Informational Workshops
Archdiocese of Winnipeg
November 8, 2008
Informational and Enrichment Workshops
Diocese of Rochester
August 13-14, 2008
New England Adult Education Symposium
Springfield, MA
November 6- 8, 2008
Fifth International Forum on the Catechumenate
Cleveland, OH
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