Wonderfully Counterintuitive

One of the many beauties of our faith is the fact that God’s ways differ from man’s. There’s probably a more eloquent or theologically-correct expression for it, but for now, let’s call it something along the lines of “wonderfully counterintuitive.” We often see this in the the teachings of Christ:

“For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it.” Mark 8:35

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:11

These teachings, where Christ turns our own thinking on its head, are reminders to us that Christ’s kingdom “does not belong to this world.” And, that to follow Him, we must move against the tide of this world. 

This is not easy. We don’t become saints by default. Virtue doesn’t develop naturally like facial hair does. But, with Saint Paul, let us remember that when we feel weak, we are actually strong, because it is Christ who told us:  “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” Turn to Him for strength.