Truth in Contradictions | Comfort of Paradoxes

13TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

[ Matthew 10: 37-42 ]

The term paradox is defined as an apparent contradiction that is really true. And it is often said that Christianity is a religion of paradoxes. For example:

Christianity is a religion of paradoxes.

   1) Jesus is both fully human and fully divine.

   2) Folly in the eyes of the world is wisdom in the eyes of God.

   3) Blessed are those who mourn.

   4) The first is the last. The greatest is the smallest.

What seems absurd and contradictory to reason is profoundly true in eyes of faith! In Christianity, there are truth in contradictions and comfort in paradoxes.

In the Gospel reading of the 13th Sunday in the Ordinary Time, Jesus wants us to love Him above all things. The priority of Christ must take precedence in our life.

   1) We are to love Jesus more than our parents.

   2) We are to love Jesus more than our children.

   3) We are to love Jesus more than the world.

   4) We are to love Jesus more than our own life.

And here is the paradox: redemption comes from the cross, and life comes from death!

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You,
because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

As true and faithful followers of Jesus Christ, we must embrace the suffering and death that come our way! If our Lord and Master suffered, so must we the followers.

By embracing the pains and sufferings in life, we will find the redemption for our souls in Jesus Christ. And when we die with Him, we will also live with Him [2 Tim 2:11].

Let our fervent prayer be:

   “ Lord Jesus Christ,

   give me the strength and courage

   to carry my cross daily to follow You.”

Let us also pray that God’s justice, peace, truth and love may prevail in Ukraine, Sri Lanka and Nicaragua.

   [Note: This Gospel reflection was adapted from Porta Fidei, Gospel Reflection dated 28 Jun 2020.]