Paradox in the spiritual pursuit

The Roman Catholic Lectionary today offers some texts which address some paradox in the spiritual journey. The Prophet Jeremiah understands that the powerful leaders against whom he has spoken desire his life. He does not understand that life itself is sometimes the service of the faithful. The psalmist trusts God to deliver him from the hands of enemies who are persecuting him. Matthew tells of Jesus revealing to His disciples the consequence of His mission among the people would be His persecution and death at the hands of His enemies. In the account of Mark, (Mark 8:31-33), Peter reacts by denying that this would happen to Jesus. The mother of James and John seeks Jesus special blessing on her sons. This request creates the opportunity to reassert the primary need to trust in God for the distribution of tasks and to be servant in the approach to living out the will of God. The position of wisdom that sees love in all and gives thanks for all is the fruit of the spiritual journey.