7-Apr-16

Gospel JN 3:31-36
The one who comes from above is above all.
The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things.
But the one who comes from heaven is above all.
He testifies to what he has seen and heard,
but no one accepts his testimony.
Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy.
For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God.
He does not ration his gift of the Spirit.
The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him.
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life,
but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life,
but the wrath of God remains upon him.
Reflection:
"Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy."
What is Jesus' "testimony?"
Jesus came to preach rejection of obedience to man made religious rules and laws in an effort to win God's favor. He testified to loving one's neighbor as the path to peace and union with God.
"For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God."
We can believe what Jesus tells us. He does not speak to glorify himself, but to deliver a message from God the Father.
"He does not ration his gift of the Spirit.
The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him."
God does not "ration" His gift of the Holy Spirit to Jesus or to those who believe in the Son and His message of the Father's love.
"Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life......"
Those who believe in Jesus have "eternal life" because He died for "our" sins. He willingly gave His life so that we would be forgiven.
".......but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life,
but the wrath of God remains upon him."
To "disobey" the Son is to reject Jesus' message of the
Father's unconditional love and forgiveness and choose to
remain in our sin.
Those of us who believe in Jesus are "called" to convey
His message to all we encounter. We are to spread the
word of the Father's love not only through words,
but through our actions.

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” --- John 13:35