WEDNESDAY, THIRD WEEK OF EASTER
Acts 8:1-8 Ps 66:1-7 Jn 6:35-40
THE NEED OF A PARADIGM SHIFT
The term ‘paradigm’ comes from the Greek word paradeigma, which simply means a model or pattern. In other words, it refers to the pattern we expect to see or the mental image we hold of the way things are. In reality, we do not see things as they are; rather, we see them as we are. Thus, the things we perceive through our paradigm determine how we behave, which in turn determines the results we achieve.
In religion, belief systems form very strong paradigms (mental pictures). In today’s first reading, we see that Saul’s persecution of the early Church stems from his paradigm that he was doing God’s work. This is a serious issue in religion, as it gives individuals a license to kill others, believing in their distorted minds that they have God’s approval. This tool is often wielded by those who have no respect for life or humanity and use it to serve their own ends. Throughout human history, the number of people killed in the name of religion far exceeds those killed in wars, plagues, famines, and other disasters.
This raises an obvious question: Has humanity succeeded in constructing an accurate image of God? In today’s Gospel, Jesus presents Himself as the image of an invincible God. He came into the world to correct humanity’s distorted image of God. Thomas Kuhn refers to this as a “paradigm shift.” Scientist Thomas Kuhn who popularized this phrase said that even in scientific fields, a paradigm shift is akin to what religion often calls a “major conversion.” Throughout his Gospel, John invites us to this major conversion – to believe in a God whose love is unconditional and who embraces all of humanity. As God’s chosen people, we are called to embrace this image in our lives so that it shapes how we behave, leading to a transformative effect on us individually, as a community of Jesus Christ, and ultimately on the entire world.
Response: Cry out with joy to God, all the earth.
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