“God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son…not to condemn the world, but to save it.” Matt Stewart, SJ, reflects on Jesus’ call to step into the light. Based on the readings for Sunday, March 14, 2021.
Can we get some light in here? Oh! Too bright! I liked it better dark!
I’m Father Matt Stewart, and this is my One-Minute homily.
When the lights come up after sitting in a dark room, it can be jarring and even a little painful. But once our eyes adjust, we realize that there is so much more richness and beauty than was ever possible in the dark.
Jesus tells Nicodemus in today’s Gospel that we prefer the darkness because seeing ourselves in the light can be frightening. But he reassures us: “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son…not to condemn the world, but to save it.”
When we step into the light and warmth of God’s love, we realize that God has no interest in condemning us but to always reassure us, comfort us, and to strengthen us with his presence.
Sure the darkness seems safer at first. But only in the light of God’s love can we ever get a glimpse of what God wants for us: eternal life.