In the Gospel for today, Jesus speaks these oft-quoted words:
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. Jn 3:16
Dear Reader, let the power of these words sink in anew, whether you’re hearing this for the first or the umpteenth time. Just imagine: We are loved so much that God died in our stead so that we could live with Him Forever! This undeserved, unsurpassing treasure is ours for the taking, all we need to do is believe in the Holy Name of Jesus.
There it is! If you and I truly believe in the only begotten Son of God, we are destined to a life uncommon, in communion with the Triune God. Amen! We do believe!
Good Deeds, Wicked Deeds
In his nocturnal conversation with the diffident Nicodemus, Jesus contrasts good deeds coming to the light to be seen with wicked deeds hating and receding from the light.
Fast forward a couple thousand years, when atrocities are blandly committed and vehemently supported. From abortion to euthanasia, from contraception to gender-transformation, the list is too painful to even consider. But the works aren’t kept hidden in the darkest recesses, au contraire, they’re shouted from the rooftops!
And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be?
Mat 6:23
Lord, save us from this evil, corrupt generation. Of which we have all aided, abetted, assisted, conspired, and colluded in some part, great and small, and we are all in desperate need of You. Lead Us Not Into Temptation, Lord, and deliver Us From Evil.
God So Loved by the World
Heard in a recent homily: we too are stoking the lie about Jesus not resurrecting, but his body being stolen by the disciples. If we fail to confess the resurrection, it is tantamount to stealing His body and hiding the good news of the LORD’s Resurrection! Ouch, Father, that stung, thank you very much! Brothers and Sisters, let this NOT be our lot, let us speedily course correct if we have been lulled into this most grievous error of omission.
We know how much God loved the world and the price He willingly paid for our souls. And now for our response to that unconditional, unparalleled love.
Do we or not do we, that is the question!
Breakthrough
The startling news of the Resurrection requires a response from us.
In the great stillness and silence of Easter morning, our God arose
and descended into Hell “where he put Death to death, where he spoiled
corruption and restored man to his primal dignity.” From an ancient homily
on Holy Saturday.
This is the good news the world needs to hear. Jesus worked the redemption of the human race. All we need to do is testify to the Truth so that the rest of the world may believe and enter into life immortal with Him.
Once again, a fantastic job Patrick/Julie. Very well written. God Bless!