To fnd an example of the faithful steward of the Gospel we have only to look at the first reading. Paul refers to himself as the steward of God's mysteries. He was entrusted with the task of revealing for the first time that the Gentiles were also to enjoy the privilege of knowing Christ and being members of his body. Such a privilege would make an enormous difference to their lives.

Again and again it emerges in the Acts of the Apostles and his letters how the love of Christ urged Paul on through many dangers and difficulties. He spared no effort to bring Christ to the many and the many to Christ. For lesser human beings the energy and conviction of Paul are almost overwhelming. We need not, however, be discouraged. Stewardship can be exercised by all of us in different ways in accordance with our differing temperaments.

For more than ten years I have been attending catechumens' classes in a student hostel attached to a university. The classes are run by young men and women, some of whom have been themselves recently baptized. Many of these latter-day Paul have taken demanding courses run by the diocese. I am a mute spectator, deeply moved by the simplicity and honesty of the participants.