Readings
Acts 5:17-26
John 3: 16-21
Reflection
We have, only two days ago, buried Pope Francis. In his relatively few years as Pope, Francis was able to speak loudly of God’s infinite mercy. He suggested that ‘mercy’ is God’s name – God’s defining characteristic.
The now famous sentence that begins today’s gospel reading, speaks of the infinite love of God, who’s mercy is so overwhelming, that God takes the initiative to ensure that everyone is saved. How often we heard Francis speak of the truth that l like a true Father, God wants everyone to come home: “Everyone, Everyone, everyone”!
This famous text reminds us that God wants all life restored, because God does not just love his children, like a tender father: God loves the world – the entire creation! St John says, “God so loved the world that he sent his only Son, so that those who believed in him would not be lost, but be saved”. This beautiful message in John 3:16 sums up the Christian message in one sentence and an American, Rollen Stewart made it extremely famous in the 1970’s by ensuring his simple sign that said, John 3:16, could be seen in major televised sporting events.
In 2009, an American footballer, Ted Tebow, wrote John 3:16 under his eyes for a televised night football game. It was later revealed that during the game there were 94,000,000 searches on the internet for that text!
The verse is famous. Let’s hope that message of God’s overwhelming love is not just on out lips, but deep in our hearts.
Brian Traynor CP has been involved in faith formation for many years especially in the form of parish missions and through the Passionist Family Group Movement. Brian is a member of the Passionist community at Holy Cross, Templestowe.