“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.”

Such is the promise and assurance of the Gospel narrative this weekend, easily the most loved passage the world over. It contains a simple message that speaks volumes, something all of us need to hear. Reading through it, one comes to rediscover hope in life. God loves the world so much, that He sent His only Son so that life may flow!

This Lent, as we slowly discover our human nature, its potentials and its perils, we also steadily take a glimpse of the movements of God’s heart. What direction does God follow? Where does God go? If we humans want to go up, it is surprising to realize that God goes down! His movement takes Him on a journey from where He is to where He wants to be. The Gospel makes it clear that in God, there is profound humility that does not seek personal glory but connection with those who are weak and in need. This point to the fact that when God wished to express His love, He undertook a journey that brought Him to us.

First, God became man. In Jesus, the Father’s love took on a human face – a God easily understood, a God within reach. Then Jesus, not satisfied with His mere identification with us, went even further downward when He died on the Cross. His love was proven even in the most debased situation imaginable to humankind.
And finally, the greatest mystery is revealed: when God followed the downward path, it was then that His glory shone.

There is another mystery, though. The Gospel says: “people preferred darkness to light.” This self-emptying of Jesus, is still misunderstood, unappreciated, unreciprocated because people close their hearts to its stirring message of love. And that may also be your experience today: even in your sacrifices and struggles – within the family, in your workplace, in the church – you are misunderstood, your generosity is unappreciated and your love is unreciprocated, know that Jesus, on the Cross, understands you, appreciates you and will reciprocate your sacrifices with blessings beyond telling, perhaps not here, but where it truly matters, in heaven!

This Lent, before the God who goes down to reach out to us and forsakes His own pleasure to save us, will you persist in the darkness or will you allow yourself to bathe in His light? The choice is yours.

Peace and blessings,

Father Erick

(4th Sunday of Lent)