An Easter Paradox

Sit with Jesus, listen deeply and know Jesus’ love.

WORD OF FAITH: A breakdown of each week's upcoming Sunday readings to better understand the Word of God at Mass.

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” — Revelation 5:13

The celebration of the Easter Season bursts forth in our readings on Sunday. Yet, we must be willing to hold this great festival in the hands of paradox: Jesus, the Christ, the Lamb who was slain is risen! Alleluia! And yet there still is suffering, confusion and turmoil for his community. Paradox invites us to grasp the truth of something that seems a contradiction — like Jesus’ life-giving death and Easter is the perfect time to reflect on the reality of paradox. 

In the First Reading from Acts, the Apostles are being questioned by the Sanhedrin — the same group that condemned Jesus of blasphemy and handed him over to Pilate. In the face of this power-wielding Sanhedrin, Peter declares that Jesus is risen and exalted. The Apostles stand, in the power of the Holy Spirit as witnesses of Jesus’ life-giving ministry. They don’t back down and they rejoice that they suffered dishonor for the sake of the name. Joy and suffering are joined as the community lives the proclamation of Jesus’ life, death and Resurrection. 

In the reading from Revelation we see this paradox again. There is great jubilation in the courts of heaven as countless faithful praise and worship the “Lamb that was slain.” Because of his sacrifice, Christ receives power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and blessing! Seven attributes — the fullness of perfect power and praise! Everything in the universe joins in this symphony of acclamation and worship.

The Gospel brings us from the lofty heights of heavenly glory back to earth and to simple men returning to their fishing tasks. Perhaps after experiencing Jesus’ suffering and death and not fully comprehending the Resurrection, they went back to what they knew — fishing. But this time was different. They experienced a recognition event — this great haul of fish of theirs was reminiscent of the great catch of fish when Jesus called Peter and Andrew. And in that instant, Peter knew that it was the Lord: another paradox of struggle and elation.

Why all of the paradoxes? A paradox takes two situations or truths and invites us to hold them together in reflection and attention until another, deeper truth is revealed. Many of Jesus’ parables use paradox — for example, “The greatest among you will be your servant.” (Mt. 23:11) Jesus wants us to really look at life, to look deeply and avoid the black/white dualism that creates rigidity and judgmentalism. This might seem like a strange truth to stress in the Easter season, but Easter calls us to celebrate new life, the new way to see and live life — his way.

So Jesus invites us into the paradox of life and death, of suffering and joy, of struggle and freedom, of power and service. Jesus, the Christ, the exalted Lord of the Book of Revelation, is also the friend who invites us to “Come have breakfast” in Sunday’s Gospel. The power Jesus displays in the Resurrection is shown in the humble service of making a fire and cooking some fish.

How do we integrate the paradoxes of our faith, of our life? How do we hold the sufferings of our world and still enjoy the delights that are available in our lifestyle? How do we pause in our fast-paced lives to see those at the margins, those who are left out and disregarded? How do we remember those who are hungry when our own plates are full? How do we live with loving-kindness when our society screams “that is for losers!” How do we practice resurrection hope every day amidst fear and cynicism?

These questions are invitations to sit with the paradoxes of life. Accept Jesus’ invitation to “come, have breakfast.” Sit with Jesus, listen deeply and know Jesus’ love. Jesus offers us the wisdom of the Holy Spirit and the great joy of new life!