For God so loved the world!

Readings: 1st: Acts 4:32-37; Ps 93; Gos: John 3:16-21

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico &  Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com. 

Today, the gospel according to John, presents us with a very important theme, Salvation. This is the summary the mission of God in the history of humanity.

One fascinating point to note in today’s gospel is that, in just one verse (16) and one sentence, John answered three very important exegetical and theological questions: why did God decide to save the world? What is the mission of God’s only son? What should our response be? Rather, what shall we do? (Act 2:37).

So, the foundation of the history of our salvation is God’s love for humanity: “For God so loved the world, that he sent his only son.” Like a mother who cannot endure the suffering her child, God was moved to save humanity. To accomplish this, he chose what is precious to his heart, his only Son.

So, through this theme, John also reminds us of the primordial purpose for which God sent his only Son to die for humanity. The purpose is for the salvation of humanity, and so that, we might have eternal life.

What does God expect from us? Yes, salvation is a free gift from God. However, the we must stretch out our hands to accepted and welcome the gift. This is an act of faith, “that everyone who believes in him, might not perish, but have life.”

It is important to note, that what makes this salvation a free gift is that, it is for “everyone who believes.” So, no one is excluded from it. Therefore, the mission of Christ is a universal one. That is to say that, it is a mission to save every soul in danger of death.

Hence, as a just judge, he never condemns the innocent. As a merciful Judge, he pardons sinners, and offers them new opportunity for a better life. And, as a loving father, he is always moved by our suffering, and always comes to our rescue through Christ.

May God, open the eyes of our minds to see and appreciate his love for us, and to joyfully, accept his free gift of salvation through his only Son, Jesus Christ. Alleluia, Alleluia!

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!