The statement by Jesus about losing one’s life in this world in order to preserve it for life eternal is called a paradox. A paradox is an apparent contradiction, but it isn’t. It is just an insightful way of getting us to move beyond appearances so we can appreciate the marvelous gift of new life which He is offering us.
The followers of Jesus, indeed everyone in this broken world, can expect to suffer. Thus Christians must be prepared to lose their lives as they have formally lived them in order to save themselves. No great goal has ever been achieved without sacrifice. The greatest goal in this life is to save your soul and get to heaven. What makes the suffering of Christians bearable is that it will soon pass and the pain will turn to joy. We also know that the suffering involved in living a good life is not futile. In fact, it is entirely possible for the Christian to experience inner joy and contentment in spite of suffering. This inner joy and contentment is described in the Gospel as peace; that is, peace of mind and peace of soul.
The story about Jesus, who slept through the storm, while the disciples who, “lacking in faith,” were terrified of the situation they were in, is a story about the power of faith in the midst of fear. Life is a series of ups and downs, a story of successes and failures, of joys and sorrows. Faith in Jesus helps us to hold steady when the going gets tough, to stay calm and trust in God when problems seem overpowering. Jesus did not promise His followers a rose garden, but He did promise them the security and calmness of faith which would bring them safely through the temptations and evils in the world. He promised everyone who “loses his life” for His sake, a new and better life, here and in eternity.
When everything is going well, when we seem to move along as if transported on a flowery bed of ease, it is convenient to believe in a benign and caring God who watches over us. But, it is in those times of crisis and suffering that our faith is put to the test, and that we are called upon to share the cross of Jesus. This is when we begin to understand what it means to be a true disciple. During this fifth Sunday of Lent, let us focus on the Cross which is the means of bringing us to the Resurrection. Before we rise to new life, we must die to the old ways of sin.
Jesus gives us the power to save our lives and to overcome the powers of evil. No matter what the future holds in store for us, no matter what problems we have to face, we can confidently depend on Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth and the Light.
May your faith in Him lead you to the new life of Easter.
Fr. Hugh Duffy
6 Comments
Virginia Rickard
Father Duffy,
Thank you so much for this clear explanation of a rather confusing passage.
You are a brilliant writer.
Patricia Huhn
I find this parable very difficult, frustrating (hate). So I say I lose myself in prayer to understand (love). And, gain eternal reward. I am back to frustration again. Why does this scripture bother me so much? I have come back to it several times. I would hope I would be over joyed with the reinforcing good news of eternal life.
Hugh Duffy
Patricia: Losing one’s life to save it points to the need to replace the negative with the positive such as: “ where there is hatred let me put love.” Hatred is a negative whereas Love is positive. The prayer of St. Francis is all about letting go of a life of sin ( negative ) to come alive to a life of grace ( positive ).
Patricia Huhn
Fr. , Thank you. Your response I understand clearly. St. Francis’ prayer is very meaningful to me. 🍀
Linda Lopez
For a couple of weeks I have not heard from your writings. They are so meaningful, and full of
Wisdom. I look forward to your insightful teaching. May our Savior God continue to Bless you.
I was so glad to get your teaching once again. You came to our Church, St. Helen, in Glendale
Arizona for such a meaningful time. Thank You for explaining God’s Word.
Hugh Duffy
What happened, Linda, that you didn’t receive my blogs? But, now you are receiving them. Is that so?