Gospel: John 3:14-21
Jesus said to Nicodemus:
“Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert,
so must the Son of Man be lifted up,
so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him might not perish
but might have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
but that the world might be saved through him.
Whoever believes in him will not be condemned,
but whoever does not believe has already been condemned,
because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
And this is the verdict,
that the light came into the world,
but people preferred darkness to light,
because their works were evil.
For everyone who does wicked things hates the light
and does not come toward the light,
so that his works might not be exposed.
But whoever lives the truth comes to the light,
so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Vigil Mass: The Mass intention is for People of the Parish.
Sunday Mass: The Mass intention is for Charles Ward RIP (HC) Deacon Peter Brogan RIP (OL)
Reflection:
World Youth Day 1995 was a memorable event for me. For a whole week in January, I joined other young people – my future wife included – from across the Philippines and beyond to pray and reflect on our calling as the future and treasure of the Church. The week-long celebration was capped by the Prayer Vigil and Mass led by St John Paul II. In his homily, he kept on repeating the name of Jesus. In today’s Gospel, Jesus identifies Himself as given by a loving God to the world “so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life” (John 3:16).
John 3:16 is a famous and often quoted verse in the Bible. It served as an inspiration in the theme song of World Youth 1995. Here’s some if its lyrics:
For God so loved the world
He gave us His only Son
Jesus Christ, our Saviour, His most precious one.
He has sent us His message of love
And sends those who hear
To bring the message to everyone
In a voice loud and clear
Let us tell the world of His love
The greatest love the world has known
Search the world for those who have walked
Astray and lead them home
Fill the world’s darkest corners
With His light from up above
Walk every step, Every mile, Every road
And tell the world, Tell the world of His love
(To find out more, please go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8zwiiSckQM)
Jesus was sent because God loves us, without any exception! As the name suggests, Laetare Sunday is a time for us rejoice in God’s love. Jesus comes to each one of us to restore our broken relationship with God and one another. Delighted, Let us tell the world of His love!
- In what ways has God shown you His love?
- Among the people you relate with, who do you think need to know of or experience God’s love?
- In what ways can you tell them God’s love?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Thank You for being the greatest expression of the Father’s love to us. Thank you for the gift of mothers. Their love and care reflect the love and care You have showered us. Help us to walk in Your light and live in Your love so that we could draw more people to You. Amen.
Suggested Lenten penance: Offer your day for someone who has fallen away from the faith.
(Pietro)
