4 Sunday of Lent: 11 March 2018
Gospel Reading John 3: 14-21
Jesus said to Nicodemus: The son of Man must be lifted up as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert. so that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him. Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may have eternal life. For God sent his son into the world not to condemn the world, but so that through him the world might be saved. No one who believes in him will be condemned; but whoever refuses to believe is condemned already, because he has refused to believe in the name of God’s only Son. On these grounds is sentence pronounced; that though the light has come into the world men have shown they prefer darkness to the light because their deeds were evil And indeed, everybody who does wrong hates the light and avoids it, for fear his actions should be exposed, but the man who lives in the truth comes out into the light so that it may be plainly seen that what he does is done in God.
Guidelines:
Can you remember an experience that has taught you the meaning of true love: namely, to give up that which is most precious to you – “He gave his only Son” –so that others might find life, “eternal life” – a deeper and fuller life, of contentment and security. Give thanks for parents/friends who made sacrifices so that you could realise your full potential.
“No one who believes in him will be condemned:” – Lord, there is nothing more terrible in life than to feel condemned – to live without purpose; – to experience failure and rejection whatever happens, help us within our own families to be the light of hope for those with low self-esteem who feel worthless and unloved. – By showing them unconditional love may they come to value their own worth and the dignity as Jesus intended. Help us to be the presence of your Son in the world, so that people might not go through life feeling condemned.