Reflection for 4th Sunday of Lent…March 14, 2021

By Kris Lanik, Notre Dame Associate

This weekend’s Gospel reading from St. John points to what should be our focus during Lent.  It tells of the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus.  Nicodemus recognized Jesus as a teacher from God.  Because of his social status he was afraid of being identified as a follower of Jesus.  I imagine he came to Jesus at night.  Jesus points out his lack of understanding.

“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.”  What is important is that the truth of that statement is so simple. The truth is that God loves us, no matter who we are or what our attitude toward God happens to be. Yet, it is difficult to completely understand the immense impact this precious gift has on our lives.

The world that God gave His Son to save is our world.  God’s love for us is unconditional.  His most precious gift of his son, Jesus, brings the gift of everlasting life.  It is a gift always available to each of us.  We need more than to be simply aware of God’s saving grace. We are asked to live a life with complete and total trust in God.  This kind of trust allows us to take risks because we know God loves us and God is with us.

It is time to accept it as truth.  We are beloved children of God.  We are called to live out the gift of our faith.  At this point in our Lenten journeys may we find ways to show our gratitude for God’s gifts, most especially the gift of his Son.

What are some of your other precious GIFTS from God?