FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT B
MOST FAVORITE GOSPEL
Pope Francis was surely an unforgettable visitor to
our country this year. He set many
records in his visit to the typhoon-ravaged land of Tacloban. There for the
first time a pope celebrated Mass in the midst of a raging storm. There for the
first time, a pope celebrated Mass in his new outfit, a raincoat. There for the
first time, a young Filipina volunteer gave her life for the success of the
pope’s visit, dying after a metal scaffolding fell on her due to the strong
winds.
Most unforgettable though, and truly historical, was
how the pope delivered his homily. He did not use his prepared text. His words
were spontaneous, straight from the heart. his message was very simple, to a
people who were very simple too. Jesus loves you! On the cross, Jesus joins
you! It was a short homily, but it was the best homily one ever heard this
2015.
The gospel today, John 3:14 ff, is the most favorite
gospel all over the world. It contains a simple messag that speaks volumes. It
speaks the message all of us need to hear. Reading through it, one comes to
rediscover hope in life. God loves
the world so much, that he gave his only Son so that life may flow!
You don’t need theology there to understand it. No
need for emotional preaching. No need for long elaboration. God loves you! No
matter who you are or what you have been doing with your life! God loves you
and Jesus gave his life for you so you can life more fully. You are loved!
Many people heard this message and left the Catholic
Church to join another church. Why? Because many times we Catholics make it
difficult for people to simply find God’s love. We love documents, rules and
regulations, formal pronouncements, rigid actions, stinging words. We have to admit it, we forget to smile
and relax and just accept the central message of the gospel: God is love and he
loves you!
This lent let us soak ourselves in this love again.
Let us share it simply with a loved one or friend. Let us express this faith
not in words but through actions of love.