My Year of Paul began with a whimper on June 29, the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles. My wife and I were vacationing in Florida and attended Mass on the day that the Year of Paul began. I was pleased that the priest announced the beginning of this special year and then he set out in his homily to educate folks about St. Paul. Unfortunately, he offered only information…a homily is supposed to be about transformation. The worst part, however was the following:
“We owe a lot to St. Paul. Because of him, we don’t have to follow all of the Jewish laws and customs. For example, we men don’t have to be circumcised. Thank goodness for that! Oh, I guess it doesn’t really matter since I was circumcised as an infant anyway!”
Too much information, Father!
That is too much information, but at least that priest acknowledged the Year of Paul. No mention in my parish.
Anonymous,
Of course, there is the old saying, “If you haven’t got anything good to say…” 🙂
It’s sad that Catholics aren’t as familiar with St. Paul as our other Christian friends are.
We have attended a Christian Believer bible study at a Methodist Church, and they had intimate knowledge of the bible that it made us both ashamed.
They certainly have a desire to learn.
Yes Paul, The homily’s definitely worth crying over. Preachers are ordained to inspire the laity with preaching on the Word of God. The reality is you or I could have done a much better job tying the scriptures of the day and the Pauline theme together. We could have spoken on the role of Paul as the great evangelizer. Instead you and the parishioners present could only draw upon leadership’s ignorance. And clergy wonder why we no longer look up to them!
Martha,
This happens to many Catholics who have been “biblically deprived!” Have you read my book, God’s Library? It’s a good introduction to the Bible for Catholics.
LP,
Looks like I touched a nerve, eh?