04th Sunday of Lent: March 10, 2024
Readings: 2 Chronicles 36:14–16, 19–23; Psalms 137:1–6; Ephesians 2:4–10; John 3:14–21
When there is so much good in the world often people seem to be choosing not-so-good things. Darkness seems to be more desired than light. You want to choose good but land up taking up things that are unholy and bad. Everyone knows peace, harmony and reconciliation give life and prosperity but often people and nations choose the path of anger and jealousy and end up fighting and waging wars leading to only destruction and death. Even though human history and experience tell us that certain moral and ethical paradigms have been set up for a better and happier life, yet when circumstances arise people forget such things and end up in destructive things. The liturgical readings for this Sunday invite us to choose the right path in place of destruction and death. Moreover, they tell us to learn from history and lead a life that is pleasing to God.
1. Long, loving look at Christ on the Cross
The passage from John 3:14–21 contains some of the most profound teachings of the Christian faith, highlighting themes of salvation, judgment, and the nature of belief. Jesus speaks about how salvation is brought to the humanity. "Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up." A reference to the Old Testament story (Numbers 21:4–9) where Israelites looked upon the bronze serpent to be healed. Similary, Christians too must look to Christ on the cross for their salvation. The long and loving look at Christ on the Cross in fact his sacrifice will lead for the forgiveness of sins and the restoration of our relationship with God.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). God's love towards humanity is immense. God's love is not exclusive but inclusive, extending to the entire world. It includes everyone. However, the challenge is upon us whether to choose light or darkness; the moral and ethical choices we have to make in every day of our lives. It's, indeed, a difficult call, a call to live transparently, honestly, and in the truth of God's love. Ultimately, salvation is a gift, received through faith in Jesus Christ. Living in grace is itself a gift of God.
2. Salvation as a free gift of God
Writing to Ephesians 2:4–10, St Paul takes up the themes of grace, transformation, and purpose within the Christian faith. "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved." Even though we were spiritually dead, but through Christ Jesus we are made one with God. God's compassionate mercy is shown through Christ Jesus. That means grace has been working in the history of humanity. Salvation is a gift, the grace from God, not a result of human effort. We are saved by faith in Jesus. It is a gift that cannot be achieved through human merit. Hence a sense of humility and gratitude must be ours.
"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works" which means good works are a vital part of the Christian life. As Christians, we must understand that we are created anew in Christ to fulfill a purpose that includes doing good works. It is a response to what God has designed to do. This will enable us to a life transformed by grace. Therefore our response must be active, creative, and continuous to live out our faith actively, recognizing that our actions are part of God's redemptive plan for the world. This finds expression in the identity of Christ.
3. History is a teacher
Reflecting on 2 Chronicles 36:14–16, 19–23 encourages us to see our own lives and the world through the lens of God's redemptive plan. History is full of good, bad, and ugly. The gravity of disobedience, the depth of God's mercy, the certainty of His promises, and the hope that comes from His ability to restore and renew are marvelous. The believing community and the religion of the Book Israel, records persistent disobedience toward God, the consequent Babylonian conquest, and the eventual decree by Cyrus to build a temple in Jerusalem. In spite of all these wicked things, God has been enormously kind and compassionate. Despite the people's repeated rejections, God continually sent messengers to warn and guide them back to righteousness.
God controls our lives and the world events. Even in the midst of turmoil, God's plan unfolds and His promises get fulfilled. That's why, there is no point in loosing hope no matter how far we feel we have strayed. It is a call to return to God, knowing He is always ready to receive and heal us. During this season of Lent, it's a soft reminder that God can instill hope in the face of despair, encouraging us that God is in the business of restoration—whether it be of individuals, communities, or entire nations. In fact, we are called to examine our own lives in light of God's faithfulness and our response to His commands. To do this we need a big heart and open mind to heed God's guidance.
Questions for self-reflection
- How does this belief in Jesus influence your daily life and decisions?
- How does the knowledge of God's love for the world shape your view of yourself and others?
- What does eternal life mean to you, and how does this promise affect your priorities and the way you live your life?
- Reflect on what it means to live in truth in your own life. Are there aspects of your life where you feel you are not being truthful with yourself, God, or others?
Prayer based on Psalm 137
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with hearts heavy with remembrance of what once was and with longing for the sacredness we've known in Your presence. Lord, in our moments of sorrow and displacement, help us to remember Your faithfulness. May our commitment to You remain unshaken, our love for You steadfast.
Grant us, O God, the grace to prioritize our relationship with You above all else. Help us to keep You as our greatest joy, our highest love, above all worldly allurements and distractions. In times of change and uncertainty, remind us of the eternal promise of Your love and the home You've prepared for us in Your heavenly kingdom. Until the day we can rejoice in Your presence forever, let our lives be a testament to Your enduring love and faithfulness. In the name of Jesus, our Rock and Redeemer, we pray, Amen.
- Olvin Veigas, SJ
March 08, 2024
2 comments:
Dear Father, your reflections is a blessing for the week ahead. There's beauty, grace and peace in every sentence. Thank you for nourishing us Spiritually through your reflections.
Such a meaningful message. Thank you
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