In Commemoratione S. Pauli Apostoli ~ III. classis
Tempora: Feria II infra Hebdomadam III post Octavam Pentecostes
As we enter the liturgical observance in commemoration of Sanctus Paulus Apostolus, the readings for this III Class feast and ferial Monday within the third week after the Octave of Pentecost unite the Apostle’s singular mission with our Lord’s instruction to His disciples in the Gospel. These readings — Galatians 1:11–20 and Matthew 10:16–22 — together offer us a reflection on the divine origin of apostolic authority and the call to courageous witness amid persecution.
Galatians 1:11–20 — “The Gospel which was preached by me is not according to man”
In this striking passage, St. Paul begins his epistle with a bold defense of his apostleship. “For I give you to understand, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For neither did I receive it of man: nor did I learn it; but by the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Gal 1:11–12).
Here Paul sets himself apart from the false apostles troubling the Galatians, emphasizing that his doctrine does not proceed from human instruction or authority, but from divine revelation. This is the essence of true apostolicity: not self-made theology, but doctrine handed on from Christ.
St. John Chrysostom, in his commentary on Galatians, writes:
“See how he lays down first the independence of his doctrine; and then, lest he should seem to be self-important, he adds his own history, not from vanity but to prove the divine character of his mission.” (Hom. in Gal.)
Paul’s former life in Judaism and his violent persecution of the Church are not sources of shame but of testimony to the power of grace. The transformation wrought in him was not the fruit of persuasion or study, but of divine intervention — a miracle of conversion.
St. Augustine likewise reflects:
“Who else but Christ could have made a sheep out of this wolf? He who had destroyed the Church, now builds it. He who was once a blasphemer, is now a preacher. Who can deny the grace of God?” (Sermo 299).
Matthew 10:16–22 — “Behold I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves”
Our Lord’s words in the Gospel underscore the cost of this apostolic mission. “Behold I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents and simple as doves” (Matt 10:16).
This passage not only prefigures the sufferings of the apostles — including Paul, whose life would be spent in continual peril — but also offers a blueprint for Christian courage and prudence. Our Lord promises persecution, betrayal, hatred — but also promises that “it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaketh in you” (v. 20).
Origen interprets this passage in the spirit of evangelical courage:
“The disciples are sent like sheep among wolves, not to be devoured, but that the wolves might be changed into sheep.” (Commentarii in Matthaeum)
In the same vein, St. Jerome writes:
“Our warfare is spiritual; we conquer not by cruelty but by patience. We are sheep, yet invincible; though slain, we overcome; though torn by wolves, we do not become wolves ourselves.” (In Matt. 10)
This paradox is lived out most powerfully in the life of St. Paul. Arrested, beaten, shipwrecked, and ultimately martyred, he bore in his body the marks of Christ, yet he never ceased to preach the truth. His apostolic mission was fulfilled not in comfort, but in suffering — not with the wisdom of this world, but with the power of the Cross.
Reflections for Our Time
As we commemorate St. Paul today, his unwavering fidelity to the Gospel revealed to him by Christ stands as a challenge and consolation to all of us striving to live the faith in an age of confusion and compromise.
In a time when truth is often seen as relative and fidelity is mistaken for rigidity, Paul reminds us that the Gospel is not ours to edit, soften, or redefine. It is given — revealed by God Himself — and we are called to receive it, live it, and pass it on, even at great personal cost.
Like the disciples in Matthew’s Gospel, we too are sent “as sheep among wolves.” But the Spirit of the Father speaks in us if we remain faithful. Let us imitate the Apostle in courage and constancy, praying for the fortitude to speak the truth in charity and to endure all things for the sake of Christ.
Prayer (Collect for the Commemoration of St. Paul)
Deus, qui multitudinem gentium beáti Pauli Apóstoli prædicatióne docuísti: da nobis, quǽsumus; ut, cujus commemoratiónem colimus, ejus apud te patrocínia sentiámus. Per Dóminum…
Suggested Spiritual Exercise
Today, take 15 minutes to read Acts 9 — the account of Saul’s conversion — and offer a Te Deum in thanksgiving for the grace of your own call to the Faith. Then, ask St. Paul to intercede for your perseverance in truth, especially in the face of misunderstanding or opposition.
Let us not forget: the Gospel is not from man, but from God. And in that truth, we find the strength to endure, the courage to speak, and the peace that surpasses all understanding.
“I live, now not I; but Christ liveth in me.” (Gal 2:20)
May we say the same, through the prayers of St. Paul.