Fr. Don's Daily Reflection - April 21, 2024
Psalm 62: “In you alone is my soul at rest. My help comes from you.”
Probably no biblical words have been painted on rocks or printed on bumper stickers more often than “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him may not die but may have eternal life.” Some Christians are so familiar with the text that all they need is “John 3:16.” And if we're going to paint the words of Jesus on rocks what more appropriate ones could we find? God so loved the world.... The apostles and martyrs went to death for these words. They really are what we mean by calling the whole story “gospel,” good news.
The Easter season particularly celebrates the new life we have received from and in Christ, a life filled with the assurance that God loves us. The resurrection of Jesus tells us that the overcoming of the hostile forces of our world has begun. The Risen Christ has targeted crime, violence, poverty, injustice, abuse, sickness, and death.
In view of the shortness of life, on the one hand, and on the other, the joyousness of the message, shouldn't we all be doing more to preach John 3:16? God so loved the world . . . not necessarily with placards or on rocks. But by lives of trust and joy, of generosity and confidence we preach the message most powerfully. There is, however, a place also for words, especially in situations of despair, hardship, crushing grief, in a time of waiting for an end to a pandemic. We shouldn't leave all the encouraging words to ministers and priests or rock-painters.
Psalm 27: “I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness / in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong; / be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord!”
