Logic

Readings for Friday June 12, 2009

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-15
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 116
Gospel: Matthew 5:27-32


We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the Body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. (2 Cor. 4:7-11)

Logic ... In today's world, this word is held up pretty high. When confronted with a difficult situation we will often say, "let's think about this logically." Or we will often let logic and reason guide our decisions. This is not to say that there is anything wrong with being logical, or using logic as a guide. Sometimes being logical about something also means being prudent. While it is not bad to use logic, we must also remember that as people of faith, there is not always room for logic, and that it doesn't always lead us to the truth.

In today's first reading, Saint Paul reminds of what it takes to have faith and why we have faith. He talks about how this world may beat us down, persecute us, and even make us completely confused; but even through all this we are not alone, we are not destroyed, we are not constrained, and we are not driven to despair. Things will happen that there is not good logical explanation for, but still we trust and believe. Even though to a strictly logical person, going through pain and hardships may be attributed to chance or coincidence, we certainly know better. We do not know the exact reasons why we go through pain and hardships, all we know is that there are times when we will share the sufferings of our savior. We will need to take up our crosses and and march forward by grace. When we do this, all glory will be given to God; for as Saint Paul says, we are "always carrying about in the Body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body."

Being Christian is certainly not always associated with being logical. But that is okay, we do not always need to be logical, we just need to believe and be willing to follow.

To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise. (Psalm 116)

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, while things in our life may not always make since, we know that you are there and always providing for us. Lord, the rest of the world does not understand you, let us not be tied to this world that rejects you, but rather be a part of your body where we are called to. Lord, you are our God, and we are your people, help us to follow you no matter where you lead. Lord, help us to be people of faith, rather than people of logic. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.