My Thoughts on 14/04/2021

The gospel reading today from John Chapter 3 contains is one of the most widely quoted verses from the Bible and has been called the most famous Bible verse. According to Wikipedia “It has also been called the “Gospel in a nutshell”, because it is considered a summary of the central theme of traditional Christianity”.

When I reflect on these words I can hear the beautiful musical setting of these words composed by John Stainer. For my prayer today I will ponder the words of John and listen to a recording of “God so loved the world.”

Jesus didn’t come because God is angry with the world or wanted to lord it over the world. It wasn’t that God needed anything. Bishop Robert Barron says in his thought:

“he comes purely out of love, out of God’s desire that we flourish: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” It is not in order to work out his anger issues that the Father sends the Son, but that the justice of the world might be restored. Jesus is the fulfilment of God’s salvific intent, displayed throughout the Old Testament.”

Let us pray that we may come to a deeper understanding and appreciation of this tremendous and overwhelming love and that we do all we can to make the world a more loving place for all. We can also remember all those who are walking in darkness at this present time. May they come to experience God’s love leading them out of darkness into the light.

Canon Father Anthony Charlton
Canon Father Anthony CharltonParish Priest