- Admin
- Mar 8, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 8, 2024
Sunday March 10, 2024
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son
See
What does it mean to be saved? We have the secular sense of being rescued or spared somehow. The root meaning of the word in Greek and Latin is to be healed. So, the beginning is some recognition of need, of something fractured, unwell in my life. It includes faith in God who wants us to be both whole and holy, fully alive. The big “sickness” is death itself— from which we are saved/healed through God’s love to us in the lifting up of Jesus in death into resurrection.
Listen
Psalm 137, Let My Tongue Be Silence
Reflect
(John 3:14-21)
-Jesus speaks of himself being lifted up, a term that can mean a physical lifting, or also exaltation. By this play on words the evangelist explains to us that Jesus’ gift of himself in the passion was a glorious revelation of love, despite all its injustice and brutality. Bring to mind occasions when the love shown by Jesus in his passion was a sacrament of God’s love for you.
-It would be very cushy for us if we could be a source of life to others without cost to ourselves. The true life-givers know that they need the generosity of being lifted up by giving their lives so that others may have life. Recall when you have had that generosity and give thanks for others who have been like that for you.
-We receive life from God when our faith enables us to trust in God’s love for us. We give life to one another when the love between us is trustworthy. Recall memories of that kind of trustworthy love. For whom have you been able to be a ‘Jesus person’ and give a love that another could trust? Who has shown that kind of love to you and been for you a sacrament of God’s love?
-When people cannot find a love in which to trust they are truly in darkness rather than light. Perhaps you have had such moments. What was it like to be in that darkness, and what was it like to come into the light again when you found a love you could trust.
-People loved darkness rather than light…so that their deeds may not be exposed. Judgement and condemnation are very inhibiting forces and we easily slip into them. Occasionally we meet someone who is non-judgemental, who does not come into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved. What has it been like for you when you met a non-judgemental person? What has it been like for you, and for other people, when you have been able to adopt a non-judgemental approach them?
Pray
O God, rich in mercy, you so loved the world that when we were dead in our sins, you sent your only Son for our deliverance. Lifted up from the earth, he is light and life; exalted upon the cross he is truth and salvation. Raise us up with Christ and make us rich in good works, that we may walk as children of light toward the paschal feast of heaven. We ask this through Christ, our deliverance and hope, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, holy and mighty God for ever and ever. Amen.
Act
-Daily Reflection: Take a moment each morning to reflect on areas of your life that feel fractured or unwell, cultivating gratitude for the opportunity to heal and grow.
-Acts of Kindness: Incorporate small acts of kindness and compassion into your daily routine, reflecting God's desire for wholeness and holiness in the world.
-Mindfulness and Hope: Practice mindfulness throughout the day, remembering the concept of resurrection in times of struggle, finding hope and resilience in God's love and presence.
References
-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024x, March 10). Fourth Sunday of Lent. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031024-YearB.cfm
-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/
