The “Foolishness” of the Cross of Christ, It is the Power and Wisdom of God

Sunday, March 19, 2006
Third Sunday of Lent
Exodus 20:1-17
Psalm 19:8-11
1 Corinthians 1:22-25
John 2:13-25

Click here for readings  (For quick review only; bring your Bible)

Pam was ready to buy a table at a flea market when a man came up and told her that the old table wasn’t sturdy and would not hold up well. While this presented a stumbling block, Pam bought it anyway. About twenty-five years ago, a friend told Jim about a new software company, which he was thinking of investing in. Convinced it was a failure, Jim’s dad called the investment a waste of money, but Jim didn’t listen. He went ahead and bought some shares of the stock.

Two years later, Pam had her table appraised and was told it was a valuable antique worth $50,000. Jim’s investment, in a little-known company called Microsoft, has multiplied over and over again and made Jim a healthy sum of money.

A stumbling block? Foolishness? Perhaps. But these were the same words that St. Paul used in describing the gospel. The image of a crucified Messiah was a stumbling block to Jews. His life did not match up with the way they were expecting God to save them. Likewise, the logical Greeks could not fathom Paul’s explanation of salvation. To them, it was nothing more than a good story.

On the other hand, a few Jews and Greeks accepted Paul’s words, believed in Jesus, and gave their lives to him. The early Christian churches that these disciples built had one unique message that formed the foundation of their faith: the message of a crucified and risen Messiah that sounded like folly to Greeks and scandal to Jews.

Two thousand years later, this same Jesus is at the center of our faith. It is this “foolish” gospel that draws us together each Sunday. And how blessed we are to believe in such folly! We have found a magnificent God who loves us completely. Let’s make today’s celebration special. Let’s all tell Jesus that he is our God and we are his people.

“Dear Lord, you are wise and loving. Come make your home in me. I want to embrace the incredible ‘folly’ of your salvation.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1.     In today's first reading we find the story of God's covenant with his people getting clearer and more specific in the now familiar story of the Ten Commandments? Unfortunately, they may be so clear and specific that we can fall into the danger of relying solely on our legal observance of these and other Church laws for salvation, rather than our faith in Christ. What role does God's commandments and Church's laws play in your life? How can you make your observance of them to be more in the spirit rather than just in the letter of the law?

2.     We can also fall into the danger of relying solely on our own strength to observe God's commandments and Church laws, rather than from the grace and power of the Holy Spirit. What steps can you take to increase your reliance on the Holy Spirit as you try to live out your day as a Christian man?

3.     Which of the Ten Commandments are a struggle for you to obey? This Lent what how can you allow God to shine his healing light and power on your struggles with these sins?

4.     Psalm 19 says the law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing, trustworthy, right, clear, pure, true, more precious than gold, and sweeter than syrup. Do you believe that God reveals these laws and his truth to his people through prayer, Scripture, and the Church? Why or why not? Why do you believe it is so easy for us to substitute our judgments and preferences for God's laws and truths, especially if they are at odds with certain areas of our lives? Why is it also dangerous to our walk of faith?

5.     The second reading reminds us how easy it is to seek signs and miracles, rather than trusting in the love and faithfulness of God and his promises to us. Why are signs and miracles insufficient in and of themselves to bring about a living faith and hope in the Lord?

6.     St. Paul also reminds us that Christ is “the power of God” and the “wisdom of God.” It is so easy for us to fall into the trap of relying solely on our own strength to live out the Christian life, rather than from the grace that comes from our faith in Jesus Christ, the power and wisdom of God. What steps can you take to increase your reliance on Jesus Christ and decrease your reliance on just your own strength?

7.     In the Gospel reading, these words of Scripture are applied to Jesus, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” What can you do to increase your zeal for the things of God and God’s people?

8.     The meditation reminds us that, “We have found a magnificent God who loves us completely.” Why is knowing and experiencing the love of God so important in living out our Christian faith? What steps can you take during Lent to open yourself more to the love God desires to pour into your heart (Romans 5:5)?

Come Holy Spirit!  ~  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and en kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. In that same spirit give us your right judgment and the joy of your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer to St. Joseph  ~  Glorious St. Joseph, guide and protector of the Holy Family, we ask that you obtain for us from your son, Jesus, the strength and wisdom to lead our families to their Father in heaven. Most Chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we imitate your obedience to the will of God and be ever mindful of the vocation to which we have been called. Amen