14-Sep-15

Gospel JN 3:13-17
Jesus said to Nicodemus:
“No one has gone up to heaven
except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man.
And 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.
Reflection:
"Jesus said to Nicodemus....."
Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews. But, unlike many Pharisees, Nicodemus was open minded and curious about Jesus.
Even though many Pharisees were persecuting Jesus, looking for opportunities to trap him into saying or doing something that would give them an excuse to have him arrested, Jesus remained open minded to Nicodemus who had a sincere interest in his message.
“No one has gone up to heaven
except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man"
In response to Nicodemus' curiosity, Jesus took the time to explain that He, a "Son of Man", had actually 'gone up to heaven' and 'came down from heaven.' And, that those who believe in Him will have 'eternal life.'
He went on to tell Nicodemus, this curious Pharisee, that God did not sent Him to condemn the world, "but that the world might be saved through Him."
We do not have to be scripture scholars to share our faith with others.
But, like Jesus, if we are willing to explain our beliefs to all who show an interest, then others too may come to know the love and hope of Christ.
Today's passage brings to mind an immigrant woman named "Anna" who calls My Brother's Keeper to request food. When I carry the food into her house, she often pulls the flyer with the picture of Jesus from the box and tells me, "My Jesus, all the time he saves me from my trouble."
Anna's willingness to proclaim Jesus is not based on theology, but on a lifetime of depending on Jesus Christ for strength to face her many struggles.
May I, like Anna, have the self confidence and courage to proclaim to others what Jesus Christ means to me.

"Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven." Matthew 10:32