Reflection
Today we hear in our Gospel one of the most famous Bible verses, John 3:16. This verse has been used and misused by many different Christian denominations. Let’s look at our Catholic teaching on this verse to help us understand the importance of living “in the light.”
The translation used in our Catholic lectionary reads, “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” The use of the words “might” is significant. Translations used by other Protestant denominations use the phrase “..shall not perish but have eternal life.” (NIV version)
Salvation is not a once-and-done event as some of our Protestant brothers and sisters would suggest. Salvation is an ongoing process with a beginning, a middle, and an end. What Jesus means here is that faith brings about an initial participation in eternal (divine) life. Faith is the beginning of eternal life; charity – union with God – is the end. The middle piece of salvation is our life experience here on earth after beginning our journey of faith. Jesus brought the light to our world of darkness. We are called to continue to bring light into the world and the lives of others.
We participate in our salvation by living “in the light.” To live in the light is allow the light of Christ, His Truth, His Life, and His Way to work through us. We do not produce light on our own. But the Holy Spirit helps us shine and spread Christ’s light to others. We perform our acts of charity not for our own glory, but to bring the glory of God to others in truth and love. Jesus invites us to participate in our own salvation for the good of our souls and for the good of the world.
Today’s Questions for Prayer and Reflection
Does the attraction of money, wealth, and possessions lead me astray? How can I be victorious when I am tempted in the future?
Source of today’s reflection: https://epriest.com/reflections/view/3035