The Conversion of St. Paul

"The most important thing of all to Paul, however,
was that he knew himself to be loved by Christ.
Enjoying this love, he considered himself happier
than anyone else...He preferred to be the loved
and be the least of all...than be without that love
and be among the great and honored.

To be separated from that love was, in his eyes,
the greatest and most extraordinary of torments; 
the pain of that loss would alone have been hell...

I urge you, therefore, not only to admire, but also
to follow his example of virtue. For in this way
we will be able to share in the same crown of glory."

(From St. John Chrysostom's homily,
In Praise of St. Paul)