It is very difficult to establish a universally acceptable chronology of the life of Paul after his conversion. Today's reading from Galatians, begins with what appears to be a straightforward time indication. "After fourteen years". But Paul does not specify for us when these fourteen years are counted from. Most likely he means fourteen years after his conversion. Fortunately, a correct chronology of his life is not of great importance for an understanding of his teaching. What is of the greatest important is that he was anxious to present his doctrine to the senior Apostles in Jerusalem so that they could assure him that his teaching ("the course I was pursuing or had pursued") was not useless, not deviant from the true Gospel or any way in error.

Paul felt that, after so many years of missionary work he needed the Church's approval. We should learn from him to be reflective enough and humble enough to listen to the authoritative teaching of the Church.

The Psalm affirms that the fidelity of the Lord lasts forever. So, too, our fidelity to God through Jesus and his Church should endure all the days of our life.