The paradox of the Christian vocation is voiced by Jesus in today's gospel: "Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life." (Jn 12: 25) This is a strong statement. Much of it depends on what is meant by "this world." God created the world and saw that it was "good" (Gn 1: 25). He also created human beings and saw that they were "very good" (Gn 1: 31). The type of "world" that causes us to be estranged from God's life, when we look elsewhere in Scripture, is bound up with pride, greed and disordered desire: "You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of others; but God knows your hearts; for what is prized by human beings is an abomination to God." (Lk 16: 15) and "Do not love the world or the things of the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; for all that is in the world - the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches - comes not from the Father but from the world. And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever." (1 Jn 2: 15-17) A challenge for us, when we contemplate the Passion of the Lord, is to focus on the eternal and be open to the power of God's love which is beyond our imagining. When I gaze on the crucifix do I see primarily suffering or do I see love: "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." (Jn 12: 32)
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