Go and spread the word
Dear People of St. Boniface:
This is an extract from my Second Letter to the Corinthians, out of sequence for today’s feast.
My conversion, painted by Carravagio
At one time in my life I famously had letters of authorisation for what I was doing. This was when I was a persecutor of Christians, and was going to Damascus to round Christians up and bring them to Jerusalem for punishment. My letter of authority was from the High Priest. You all know what happened on that road to Damascus, and how my letters of authority never got used.
I had received a direct revelation from Jesus Christ! So from then on I have never been very much concerned with letters authorising me to preach and teach. Jesus did not hand out documents; he told his apostles – and that includes me – just to go out and spread the Word.
Inevitably in my time some other missionaries arrived in Corinth who did have letters of authority from their churches, and of course those who were ready to oppose me in anything were quick to rush in with their criticisms: “where are Paul’s credentials, may we ask?” My answer is that I may be believed to be genuine through the results.
My blessing, from Heaven, PAUL.