RBWords

     St. Paul can be a very personal preacher.  Although he claims (and so do some of his critics) that he is not a very good speaker (ask Eutychus, who fell asleep during one of his homilies and fell out a window), we do not have any direct evidence one way or the other unless his writing is a sample.  He is no "stylist" in that, either.  His sentences can be long and tortuous.  In the dogmatically important four letters of Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians and Galatians (and the other letters as well, to be truthful), arguments about syntax and vocabulary have given scripture scholars and theologians much to debate over the centuries.  We more ordinary mortals can try to meet him on a personal basis in lines like the one quoted above.  He is our preacher and we are the congregation.  Where do we go from there?

     In all the letters, Paul is speaking from a distance.  He cannot rely on body language or tones of voice.  He has to rely on the memory of his congregation from his previous visits.  However, his affection and passion for what he does comes through clearly!  He seems to fall in love with his congregations and exhorts, corrects, encourages, scolds, etc.etc. like a lover/parent/founder!  Whether or not one finds him a "congenial" source of revelation (which the church does believe), it is hard to ignore him because it is his version of the gospel that made its way into the "canon" of scripture.  Of course, it is important to allow the gospels (especially) and other New Testament books to "temper and give perspective" to his views.  The "Johannine" literature provides a very healthy balance.  But Paul's voice is loud.  Today we can simply accept his affection and try to follow him in his preaching.  As a congregation we will each hear him in our own way.  AMEN