Fourth Sunday of Lent

March 22, 2009

2 Chr 36:14-16.19-23
Eph 2:4-10
Jn 3:14-21

“Three Sixteen” is the title of today’s gospel. This passage is one of the most popular verses in the Bible. It has been memorized by millions of Christians and can be found displayed in billboards, mugs, frames, etc. This passage talks about God’s love for us and what it means to each one of us.
There are several things that today’s passage tells us about God’s love.
First, it teaches us that the love of God is broad. It is broad because God can love the whole world. When Jesus stretched out his arms on the cross he encompassed the entire universe, at the same time encompassing each one of us.
Secondly, it tells us that God’s love is giving. The very nature of God’s love is sacrificial. We are being reminded once again that true love mimics God’s love.
Thirdly, God’s love can be refused. The third section of the passage says, “...so that everyone who believes in him...” It would be great if the verse said, “God so loved the world that he sent his Son so that no one would perish.” There’s a catch here. The catch is that only those who believe in His Son will not be condemned.
Lastly, the passage tells us that God’s love has a purpose. The purpose of God’s love is we “...may not perish but may have eternal life.” We do not have to wait to die to experience the fruit of God’s love. TODAY, we can already experience eternal life.
The challenge between now and then is to start living the fullness of God’s love. That is our calling today and everyday of our life.

Fr. Edsel Demillo, SVD
Divine Word Academy
Dagupan City