"Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God" (1Cor 1:24)

St. Paul connects these qualities of Jesus to his death and resurrection. To the ordinary, unbelieving person, death on a cross is a sign of weakness not power. In fact, Paul says it becomes a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. But for those who have faith, it shows the power of God. Through his death by crucifixion, Jesus offered the perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity. What looks to the ordinary eye as weakness, is in fact strength. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says: "God reveals his fatherly omnipotence....by his infinite mercy, for he displays his power at its height by freely forgiving sins." (CCC 270). The truth of this mystery becomes more evident to St. Paul as he cried to the Lord to take the thorn from his side. God's response: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Then St. Paul writes: "I will gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Cor 12:9)

The same is true for us. In our struggle with sin, we find ourselves weak. But when we learn to turn to God, his grace, his power is sufficient for us. I have learned to say, "Jesus, I love you" when I am struggling. And in this acknowledgment of my weakness and inability to overcome on my own, I find that in Christ, in his power, I can be strong and faithful.