We are well acquainted with the ironies of our faith belief, for example: the last shall be first. All you need to do is remember the Beatitudes! (The meek inheriting, those mourning shall laugh, etc.) Today’s readings have “Christian ironies” too. Irony is a figure of speech in which the words express the opposite of the intended meaning. It can be the expression of complimentary or contradictory impulses and attitudes. Thanks, Webster!
In the First Reading from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, the Prophet finds that his purpose is larger than the resistance he encounters. He is not to worry about results; just deliver the message. No matter, as all will still know that a prophet was among them even if they turn from grace. The irony is that while they know a prophet is among them, they choose not to listen!
The same sort of story occurs in the Gospel today. Jesus’ own relatives and friends reject Him and this limits His ability to help them. It is their choice to turn to Him or not, as it is our choice, too.
St. Paul tells us today that it is “when I am weak, then I am strong.” (Irony!) It is in our suffering that we become strong; it is our alleged strengths that keep us from God. That is irony for you! St. Paul is grateful for his “malady” as it is the device that keeps him humble and realistic; this helps him in his ‘choice’ for Christ. This is the irony and paradox of our belief—it is in tribulation and weakness that we may receive the grace of strength and faith. Keeping this in mind should help make our choices more obvious!
This week we celebrated the National Holiday of Independence Day. The irony is that even in this land of freedom, many choose to live as slaves. They are slaves to their past, to their mistakes, to false gods, to sin. They need the freedom of Christ: the liberty of mercy and forgiveness, of grace and God’s everlasting love. How will you choose?
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
In the First Reading from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, the Prophet finds that his purpose is larger than the resistance he encounters. He is not to worry about results; just deliver the message. No matter, as all will still know that a prophet was among them even if they turn from grace. The irony is that while they know a prophet is among them, they choose not to listen!
The same sort of story occurs in the Gospel today. Jesus’ own relatives and friends reject Him and this limits His ability to help them. It is their choice to turn to Him or not, as it is our choice, too.
St. Paul tells us today that it is “when I am weak, then I am strong.” (Irony!) It is in our suffering that we become strong; it is our alleged strengths that keep us from God. That is irony for you! St. Paul is grateful for his “malady” as it is the device that keeps him humble and realistic; this helps him in his ‘choice’ for Christ. This is the irony and paradox of our belief—it is in tribulation and weakness that we may receive the grace of strength and faith. Keeping this in mind should help make our choices more obvious!
This week we celebrated the National Holiday of Independence Day. The irony is that even in this land of freedom, many choose to live as slaves. They are slaves to their past, to their mistakes, to false gods, to sin. They need the freedom of Christ: the liberty of mercy and forgiveness, of grace and God’s everlasting love. How will you choose?
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
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