by Carmel G. Cauchi, SDC Member
Why is St Paul often depicted holding a sword in religious imagery? Saints who died as martyrs are frequently portrayed with the symbol of their martyrdom. However, there is another reason why we see St Paul with a sword in his hand. In the Letter to the Hebrews, it is written: “For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). St Paul was the apostle who strove tirelessly to proclaim the Word of God. He was the one who converted pagan peoples to the Christian faith by preaching to them.
Yet St Paul did not spread the Word of God solely through preaching. He also did so through writing. He authored thirteen letters, continuing to proclaim the Word of God to those he had previously taught in person. This is why, in religious imagery, St Paul is often depicted holding a book in his other hand. The sword and the book symbolise the Word of God.
The Word of God is also proclaimed to us during Mass, often through the letters of St Paul. But how often do we allow this sacred sword to penetrate our hearts and transform us for the better? It is true that the Word of God is alive and powerful, yet if we ignore it and fail to take it to heart, it will bear no fruit within us.
