Gospel
John 3:13-17
Jesus said to Nicodemus: “No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” 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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.
Sermon
My brothers and sisters in Christ, today's Gospel passage presents us with a profound message from Jesus. He tells us that no one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. Jesus is referring to himself, and he's saying that he's the only one who can bring us to eternal life.
Jesus uses the example of Moses lifting up the serpent in the desert to illustrate his point. Just as the serpent was lifted up and people looked at it to be saved from death, so too must Jesus be lifted up on the cross, and we must look to him to be saved from eternal death.
But why? Why did God send his only Son into the world? The answer is simple: love. 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.
This is the greatest gift we could ever receive. Eternal life is not just a distant hope, but a present reality for those who believe in Jesus. And it's not just a gift for some, but for everyone who believes.
But Jesus' mission wasn't just to save us from eternal death, but also to save us from condemnation. God didn't send his Son into the world to condemn us, but to save us.
May we be inspired by Jesus' words to look to him for eternal life. May we believe in him and receive the gift of eternal life. And may we share this gift with others, so that they too can be saved.
Prayer
Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty, merciful, and loving God, we come before you, grateful for the gift of eternal life that you offer us through your Son, Jesus. We recognize that Jesus is the only one who can bring us to eternal life, and we look to him with faith and trust.
Thank you for loving us so much that you gave your only Son to save us from eternal death and condemnation. We receive this gift with humility and gratitude.
Help us to share this gift with others, that they too may be saved. Give us the courage and compassion to spread the message of eternal life to all those around us.
We pray for those who do not yet know you, that they may come to believe in Jesus and receive the gift of eternal life. We pray for our own faith, that it may be strengthened and deepened as we look to Jesus.
Thank you for the symbolism of the serpent in the desert and Jesus' crucifixion, reminding us of the power of salvation and the love of God.
In Jesus' most holy name we pray, Amen.
Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,
Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ