March 4, 2014

PARADOXES ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø The word that comes to mind in hearing today’s gospel is “paradox”

Ø A paradox is a statement or a proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd, but expresses a possible truth

Ø It is something that just goes against our rational mind, against a reasonable way of thinking or looking at things

Ø It’s been said that Christianity is built on paradox

Ø So there’s paradox of HT, God is one, yet 3 persons

Ø Paradox that Mary was mother of J & yet a virgin

Ø Paradox that J = both divine & fully human

JESUS ANSWERS W/ PARADOX +++++++++++++++++++

Ø AA ask Jesus “What’s in it for us if we follow U?”

Ø & J responds w/ assurance, but w/ paradox

Ø They will receive gain eternal life, but will also B persecuted & lose their life

Ø & again, many who are 1^st will B last in age 2 come

Ø & many who R last will B first in age to come

WHY ANSWER W/ PARADOX? +++++++++++++++++++

Ø Why all this paradox in J & in XTY?

Ø Maybe answer is simple.

Ø J is saying that realm of God is different

Ø It’s beyond R human imagination, beyond human understanding, beyond human reason

Ø Realm of God demands we let go of R need 2 control or submit everything to control of reason (head work)

Ø Demands a faith whose essence is trust & not control (heart work)

Ø Sometimes we only come 2 this realization when we’re seriously sick or grieving loss of a loved one, or have lost a job

Ø Sometimes it takes these experiences that we cannot control 2 lead us 2 a trusting & not a controlling faith

PARADOX WORKING FOR US ++++++++++++++++++++

Ø In R hearing of the gospel, Js’ paradoxes R meant to do the same thing for us today

Ø But it will take moving from here (head) to here (heart)!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

WordsWorthNoting