Gospel (John 3: 16-21)
Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint John
Nicodemus Visits Jesus
16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. 20 For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. 21 But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”
The Gospel of the Lord
REFLECTION
After reflecting on Jesus’s teachings, Nicodemus has doubts, so under cover of darkness he seeks to talk to Jesus a respected Rabbi. He finds himself face to face with a man who says he has been sent by God to save, all who accept His message of love. He promises eternal life to “whoever believes in Him”. (vs. 16) Jesus then explains to him what God’s true purpose is.
He tells Nicodemus that God wants the salvation of the world and that this can only come about through the Son of Man 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
The essential truth between life and death is faith in Jesus. The absence of faith causes an enduring rejection of all means that lead to spiritual salvation. Those, who are deprived of it have great difficulty in coming to terms with those who embrace it. The concept of Divine Judgment is put simply, light came into the world, but men preferred darkness to light because their actions were evil. (vs.19)
Jesus exposes all the fragility that is man’s existence without God. Whoever acts in truth approaches the Light…
He shows us the paradox of love and judgment. We can love the darkness of sin and unbelief or we can love the light of God’s truth and goodness. If our love is guided by what is true, and good then we will choose God and love him above all else.
By entrusting themselves to Jesus they will know eternal life. However, those who refuse to trust God’s revelation in Jesus effectively close themselves off from true life; the consequence is that they perish. The Lord gives meaning and purpose to our life he is our salvation.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You, who are judge of each man’s life, offer him the happiness of authentic love. Give us your Spirit, so that it may expand the measure of our hearts. Give us a big heart to love.