the e-Testament
John 3: 14-21
“No one has ever gone up into the presence of God except the One who came down from that Presence, the Son of Man. In the same way that Moses lifted the serpent in the desert so people could have something to see and then believe, it is necessary for the Son of Man to be lifted up—and everyone who looks up to him, trusting and expectant, will gain a real life, eternal life.
“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.
“This is the crisis we’re in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God. Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won’t come near it, fearing a painful exposure. But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is.”
Prayer
Jesus Christ, light of the world, you shine on every human being. Enable us to discern your presence in each person.
Shine in our darkness!
Jesus Christ, friend of the poor, open in us the gates of simplicity, so that we can welcome you..
Shine in our darkness! Jesus Christ, gentle and humble of heart, renew in us the spirit of childhood.
Shine in our darkness!
Jesus Christ, you call us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. Give us ears to hear what you are saying to us .
Shine in our darkness!
Jesus Christ, you send your church to prepare your path in the world. Open for all people the gates of your Kingdom.
Shine in our darkness!
Reflection
Jesus frequently refers to himself as the light of the world. He is the one pulling us from the darkness. As human beings we often choose the darkness. It is in this darkness that we can hide our innermost secrets. In this darkness we often make excuses and go through life refusing to get to know Gods love.
We each need Jesus to shine his light in to our life. It is only in his light that we can come to terms with our innermost needs. Jesus loves us and cares for us regardless of how long we have lived in the darkness.
This season of lent gives us the great opportunity to look deep inside and reflect on all the darkness we want to offer to the lord. He will accept us with open arms when we are ready to receive him.
Sandy Fairley - Salesian School Chaplain