Saint Paul became known as the "Apostle to the Gentiles" because of his tireless efforts toestablish and support Christian communities throughout the civilized world of the time. These efforts led to the composition of the several letters in which he provided guidance to these communities and which comprise an important part of the New Testament.
In mid-December 1996, and with the support of my pastor at the time, Msgr. Michael J. Walsh, I challenged myself to preach the Word on a weekly basis, instead of on a monthly basis, as is the norm for most Roman Catholic deacons. This challenge led me to research homiletic resources which were available on the internet to augment the printed resources which I already had purchased or to which I had already subscribed. Through that search, I discovered the possibility of launching my own web page for the posting of my homilies. During the first three months of 1997, feedback on my preaching from the parishioners was very favorable. However, I realized that if I were to establish my own web page, I would need to complete my homilies at least a few days ahead of delivery in order for them to be of use to others in their homiletic preparations. Just before Easter 1997, I was able to meet this time frame. So on April 11, 1997, with much fear and trepidation, I"christened" this page.
Since that date, the response from you, my visitors, has blown me away. TYour input has led to numerous changes and additions to the page, including the Stories and Sources Lists, and the Thematic and Scriptural Indices. Revisions, changes and additions occur on a daily basis.
The Spirit works in ways which we often do not understand at the time, but in which later, upon reflection, we are able to discern the work of his hand. I'm sure you can all well attest to this fact as well as I can, namely, that it never ceases to amaze that the Spirit has chosen us as his instruments to touch the hearts of his people. When someone sends me a message detailing how my thoughts have affected those in their own congregations, I cannot help but sit back in awe of the power of this medium. It took Paul many years to accomplish the work that he did. We now have the capability of touching the lives of hundreds, and even thousands, of people without ever leaving our homes. Simply astonishing!
I pray that you will find something of use here. If you have any suggestions or comments, please send them to me at deaconsil@comcast.net. It is the only way I can know and address your needs. If you have a special request, don't hesitate to ask. If I don't have an answer, I will hopefully be able to point you in the right direction to get one.
May God continue to bless us all as we strive to bring the Word of God to his people. And may the peace of Christ always be with you.
Sil Galvan
