Christ came to save us [March 18, 2012]

The Sunday Gospel [March 18, 2012]

John 3:14-21

14And just as Moses lifted up* the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,15so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” 16For 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. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn  the world, but that the world might be saved through him. 18Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. 20For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. 21But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.

Meditation

“God, who is rich in mercy.” ~ Ephesians 2:4, 2nd Reading

Heavenly Father, how great is your love! I am amazed at the depth of your mercy toward me. Your love is perfect and unchanging, and you never take your eyes off of me. You are all I need, for you sustain me with the bread of life and the cup of salvation. You are worthy of all praise and honor and glory!

From the very beginning, Father, your arms have always been open wide, ready to receive me whenever I return to you in repentance and humility. When I had turned away from you and my sin had separated me from you, you never forget me. You never forsook me. You loved me so much that you let your only Son bear my sin on the cross. I was dead, but you brought me to life. I was mired in guilt, but you washed me clean. You gave me a new heart and a new mind. I rejoice that I can freely come to you and hear your words of life. I rejoice that I can know you as my Father!

Jesus, you are seated in the heavens with all authority and power. You are exalted as Lord over heaven and earth, and all praise and glory belong to you. I celebrate the fact that you have reached out your hand to me inviting me to be seated in heaven with you. Yes, Lord! You have raised me up and given me authority over sin. You have given me power to resist the evil one. You have made me a coheir with you of all the riches and blessings of heaven. How can I help but praise you and love you.

Lord, you have done so much for me! When I was helpless and could do nothing on my own, you poured out grace so that I could believe in you and receive your help and power. You loved me first, so that I could turn and love you. How amazing you are!

“Jesus, I rejoice in your amazing grace. I glory in your unfailing mercy. It is such a privilege to belong to you.”

Credits: the WORD among us

Source: The Meditation is from Bro. Abel Navarro (you can visit his blog at http://myblogabelnavarroabel.blogspot.com/).