The Paradox of the Cross

This is one of my favorite mysteries of Christ and the Church: the paradox of the Cross. It is just so, so awesome! Here is the bible passage and then I will explain it.

... but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
     2 Corinthians 12:9-10

This is where the paradox lies, on the cross. Jesus' act on the cross seems like an extremely weak moment for him. He suffered, he bled, he cried, he was in agony. However, his death on the cross was his strongest moment. Through his death on the cross, heaven became opened to the world. Because of Christ, we are invited into eternity.

I really like this paradox because when I feel the weakest, when I think that I can't do any more studying, that I have nothing else to give, that I can no longer help anyone or myself, I am made strong in these humble and vulnerable moments. I realize that I am strong, that these moments do bring me much strength because I am participating in the life of Christ. I suffer just as Christ suffered. Obviously not to the same extent, but I am living the way that He lived. When I realize that I am weak, I then take on a part of Christ, and then I am strong. It is through my weaknesses that I am made strong. You can't get better at something until you work and sweat over it. When I have really weak moments, when I have too much homework to do, too many jobs to do, too many activities to go to, I just remember this paradox and then it all makes sense and it all seems worth it. "For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Have a beautiful, beautiful Sunday!