Paradoxical Prince

We've been looking at Mark during the Forum hour this Lent. One of the key themes of this Gospel is that of the "Suffering Messiah".

Israel had long awaited a messiah, the anointed deliverer, to free them from their oppressors. We know that their longing was fulfilled, but just not in the way expected. The oppression that was overthrown was not that of Roman rule and corrupt clergy but sin, alienation, and death itself. Some were excited, others disappointed, many just plain confused. How could Jesus claim to be King if he could be defeated by a second-rate political hack like Pilate? How could he claim to save us when he couldn't save himself from the machinations of the priests? How is it that he defeated death when he was executed? We know the answers -- we've heard the stories, read Scripture -- God works in ways that defy our understanding, God operates at a deeper level than the one we focus on -- yet we still find ourselves perplexed, confronted with a paradox, one that we can't always quite fathom.

Maybe that's a good thing. Because when we can't know and explain everything, we have to rely on faith. And for faith to blossom and grow, we have to set aside our egos and let the Spirit work it's will. Faith depends on our openness to God's presence in our lives. Funny thing, then: In paradox, we may, just may, find peace and grace.

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