TODAY’S GOSPEL REFLECTIONS: “Full Life” April 19, 2023. Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter.

Gospel

Jn 3:16-21

God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten 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-begotten Son of God.

And this is the verdict,

that the 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:

A blessed Wednesday to all.  The Gospel of John is one of the most difficult books to understand in the Bible. It’s rich in theology and there’s much depth to it, that even though simple words are used, one must reflect on it carefully to understand its meaning with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The first part of the Gospel is one of the most famous verses, “God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” God gave us His Son, Jesus, to save us from our sins and eternal death by dying on the Cross. He became a sacrifice, an offering for us all. but oftentimes, we hate the Cross. 

The modern world seems to erase what sacrifice means in our lives. The ads, celebrity culture, and the media always say that “You are entitled to this”, and “You deserve this”. Subconsciously they collaboratively insert in our minds, if we are not careful, that we must serve ourselves and ourselves alone for us to be happy. All this is a lie.

The Gospel teaches us the opposite. We might know this and continue to venerate the Holy Cross and make the sign of the Cross, but still, it is not easy to conquer man’s natural repugnance to suffering. It can be done only through the strength of Christ by frequent sacraments and prayer. Naturally, men do not like to suffer. However, if we truly believe in the Word of God and in the sacred passion, death, and resurrection of Our Lord, our hearts and minds would turn toward accepting more of the sufferings we encounter in this life. 

One, it purifies our souls. What good is there to believe in the Lord when everything in our lives goes well, there’s no challenge, no one to care for, and no one to give to or to help? This is not Christian life; you are only secure by yourselves and do not care about the world. That is secular thinking – the enemy of what a Christian life shall be.

Like Jesus, we are called to offer and give our lives to others. Give to those who seek help from us, do not turn anyone away. Do not judge the poor, but love and give them something to eat. Jesus did not command us to give them a luxury buffet. He commands us to love and to give some of our bread to the poor. He even tells us that even as simple as giving water to the thirsty, if done out of love, will not go unrewarded. It is simple. 

Only that we must be willing to go out of ourselves and our comfort zones. Only we must believe and not fear the Cross. For through this Cross and sufferings, God gave us eternal life – heaven. In the same way, we can also be a bridge for others through whom they must go to meet Jesus through our good works and words. Then we can have a life that is full and satisfying until we meet our Creator in Heaven. May we continuously reflect on this. Amen. +

God bless us and give us peace of the Risen Christ. Amen. +

Reflections by: F.M.M.J.

Go to USCCB website for the full readings.