Gospel for March 14 2021 – John 3:14-21
Gospel Reflections for March 14 2021
Why did this happen!
When events don’t go well and you’re deeply disappointed you might cry out, “Why did this happen! Whose fault is this!?”
(This could have been everyone’s feelings for the last 12 months!)
The First Reading recalls the sad story about six hundred years before Christ when the Israelite nation was conquered and sent as slaves to the far off Kingdom of Babylon, in what is now modern Iraq.
During that exile they thought deeply about why this defeat happened. They asked, “If we are the Chosen People …why are we now slaves?” Had God abandoned us? They gradually realized that their desire for power threatened more powerful nations like nearby Babylon and so the Israelites brought on their own defeat. Their fate was the result of their own arrogance and pride. Lesson learned!
They repented and changed because they opened their eyes to see themselves as they actually were. That took courage, honesty, and humility, all great virtues to develop during Lent.
Years later, a new King granted their freedom. They could go home! That was a happy day for homesick Israelites to finally return.
The Gospel affirms that “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son for our salvation.” Despite our sinfulness, God offers His love. God loves you because that is simply what He does. His love is not based on your goodness, but only on His unconditional love.
That love gives you the courage to see yourself clearly, honestly, and humbly as you actually are. We rarely feel that depth of love from other people but we certainly have it from Our Lord. Only that unconditional love of Our Lord encourages the honest appraisal of yourself.
You might just find out that some of your problems are your own fault, or the result of your own actions. That honest self-appraisal did wonders for the Israelites, and can for you as well. You can begin the slow process of changing behaviors that might be causing you harm, and finally come home to the place God wants you to be.
These final weeks of Lent are your time to reflect about your path. Watch a University Series session, listen to Bishop Barron reflections, say the rosary, read scripture, or check all the great resources at stbrunochurch.org …and spiritually return home to where God is ready to welcome you.
God bless!
Fr. Dave
Thanks for this opportunity of repentance and ever present Love from God.
May God grant us the courage to admit our errors and be more humble and better persons.
Joe Guevara
Yes, that is the message and goal of the Season of Lent! Well said!
Dear Father Dave,
This is a great reflection of introspection. As I grow older, I see life differently. The outer layers are easier to peel away and It’s humbling.
Truth is humbling. Truth is God speaking. Oh yes, He will say, if we’re fortunate to hear Him, you need to improve, be the best you can. Love.
It’s interesting in our modern days that in a way, we can be exactly like those people from centuries ago. Slavery of the soul is often of our own making.
I wonder why.
Thank you for your thought-provoking message.
God bless.
Kathleen
Let me thank you for your thoughtful message. “Slavery of the soul is often of our own making” Well said.