Paradox is defined as a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.
Then, the paradox of suffering. Once considered the scourge and punishment of the wicked, has been redeemed and raised to the deepest fellowship one can have with Christ. St. Therese of Lisieux says, 'My joy is to love suffering.' Joy and suffering in the same line!
To be weak, is to be strong! I'd like to call it the paradox of the Servant-King.
To rejoice in one's weakness and vulnerability because it is in our weakness God's strength is unveiled. It is precisely BECAUSE of our weakness, we learn to depend on him, surrender to him and trust in him.
O us, paradoxical Christians...
What could be more paradoxical than Christianity? Let's try using Christianity in the same definition.
Christianity is a proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.
Doesn't sound bad at all. In fact, it sounds a tad close to the truth.
Take for instance the The Cross
Christianity is a proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.
Doesn't sound bad at all. In fact, it sounds a tad close to the truth.
Take for instance the The Cross
...on which hung the Saviour of the world
Crucifixion was considered the cruelest and the most deviant form of a punishment ever known in the civilized world. To Christians, the greatest symbol of hope for mankind. We wear miniature crosses around our necks not because we are sadistic but because we know there is someone who didn't mind the cross for our sake.
Then, the paradox of suffering. Once considered the scourge and punishment of the wicked, has been redeemed and raised to the deepest fellowship one can have with Christ. St. Therese of Lisieux says, 'My joy is to love suffering.' Joy and suffering in the same line!
To be one with our Wounded Saviour is be Simon of Cyrene, carrying that painful Cross awhile; is to be Our Lady at the foot of the Cross; is to see the wonders that suffering can do.
To Simon, he received the great privilege of partaking in man's salvation. To his beloved Mother, Mary became the Co-mediatrix of All Graces. Love, makes all things possible.
To Simon, he received the great privilege of partaking in man's salvation. To his beloved Mother, Mary became the Co-mediatrix of All Graces. Love, makes all things possible.
And, O the paradox of death! Some fear it, some wish for it, some try to defy it...But for Christians, what was once an abhorred inevitability, has been turned into the gateway to eternal life. St. Francis called her Sister Bodily Death, a homecoming of sorts. Death ends nothing, it only signals the beginning of eternity.
St. Francis meditating on death
The Creator washing the hands face feet of his finite creation
O us, paradoxical Christians...
