The Gospel According to John 3:16-21
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the verdict, that light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.
Reflection: Out of all of the scripture readings in the Gospels, there are none as notable and known throughout the world as John 3:16. Watch any sporting event and you will see someone holding up a sign proclaiming the immense love that God has for all of us. St. John waste no time in his Gospel of letting everyone know that Jesus is God sent to earth to redeem mankind and teach them that there is a place where God resides. But also, the place where we will all go when we leave this world, to live in His Father’s house. John speaks in a way that the Jewish people could relate to Jesus on a more personal level. As Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son, God our Father shows His love for us as He sacrifices His only begotten Son to show His love for each of us, His children. This reading also describes perfectly where humanity was being trapped in their evil ways in darkness. To be able to come out of the darkness and evil doings and enter the radiant beauty of a light so bright and pure that it does not blind but glorifies. To be able to live in peace, love and perfect harmony, that is where I want to be. How about you?
Action of the Day: Today meditate on these words from Richard Rohr.
“Jesus is the union of human and divine in space and time; Christ is the eternal union of matter and Spirit from the beginning of time. Jesus willingly died- and Christ arose- yes, still Jesus, but now including and revealing everything else in its full purpose and Glory.”
Audio Reflection:
