Scripture readings for this reflection can be found out Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter | USCCB
It give me comfort whenever I read this scripture from John 3:16. It reminds me that I am loved by God, so much so that God sent His son, Jesus Christ into the world so I can have eternal life.
Further, I'm not alone in this love of God. God loves all those in my life: my family and friends. Even those that I may not care too much for. God's love is for all people.
John goes on to say, "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." (John 3:17-18). We are all called to believe in God and to live in the light of his love by following his commandments and to accept that Jesus come into the world to die for our sins and to bring us back into relationship with the Father.
From Arlene B. Muller
ReplyDeleteJOHN 3:16 is probably at least in the top 5 of the most beloved Scripture verses in the entire Bible. In recent years it has been held up in signs/banners at sporting events & inscribed in the faces of athletes. It is probably the shortest summary of the message of the entire GOSPEL.
Although as we grow in knowledge of & in relationship with the LORD, our brothers & sisters in CHRIST & the Church, we must learn a lot more from the rest of Scripture & the teaching of the Church, we must always remember the most basic truths embodied in JOHN 3:16. Everything we know about GOD & come to know through a personal relationship with GOD originates in & radiates from the fact that GOD is LOVE & that GOD LOVES EVERYONE IN THE WORLD & CREATED EVERYTHING OUT OF LOVE. LOVE is the key motive for everything GOD does, culminating in His sending His only begotten Son to save us. Everything prior to the Incarnation points to the the Incarnate Son of GOD coming into our world to be our Savior & everything since looks back on Our LORD'S Incarnation & His life, Passion, death & Resurrection & forward to His Second Coming.
We must never forget that GOD loves each one of us individually & intimately & that He loves the rest of the world as well. GOD always reaches out to us in love & what He requires of us is to accept & receive His love, to love Him & grow in loving Him in return, to believe & put our trust in Him, & to obey His commandments, which are the many ways to live out the two greatest commandments of loving GOD with our whole heart, soul, mind & strength & our neighbor (which means everyone) as ourselves.