Mar 15, 2015
Gospel Jn 3:14-21
Jesus said ti Nicodemus:
“Just as Moses lifted up the serpent (1) 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 (2)
but might have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn (3) the world,
but that the world might be saved through him.
Whoever 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.
And this is the verdict (4),
that the light came into the world,
but people preferred darkness to light,
because their works were evil.
For everyone who does wicked things hates the light
and does not come toward the light,
so that his works might not be exposed.
But whoever lives the truth comes to the light,
so that his works (5) may be clearly seen as done in God.
The difficult
words
(1) A serpent is a large snake.
(2) To perish
means to die.
(3) To
condemn is to judge someone guilty. This usually means that
the condemned person will be put to death.
(4) A verdict is a judgment.
(5) Works refer to actions or
deeds.
This week’s
spotlight
I confess to almighty God
These are the first words of a prayer that we say at the beginning of the Mass, to prepare ourselves to hear the word of God and to receive the body of Christ. In this prayer, we recognize that we are sinners and we ask our brothers and sisters to pray for us.
These are the first words of a prayer that we say at the beginning of the Mass, to prepare ourselves to hear the word of God and to receive the body of Christ. In this prayer, we recognize that we are sinners and we ask our brothers and sisters to pray for us.
The
sign of peace
When the deacon or priest says,
"Let us offer each other the sign of
peace," we turn to those near us and, while shaking their hands (or by
giving them a kiss if they are very close to us, like family), we say, "Peace be with
you." In saying these words, we share the peace that
Christ has given us with those around
us; we recognize that we are all
brothers and sisters, that we all make up the
people of God, and that we are
preparing ourselves to have communion with the body of Christ by already being
in communion in his peace.
Reflection
God
is good, God is faithful, God always keeps his promises, God loves us: God has
saved us! This Good News announced in Sunday’s readings rings in our ears and
invites us to rejoice! We were once prisoners of death and sadness, and then
Jesus opened the door for us to life and happiness. Through his death and
resurrection Christ
conquered evil, and through his forgiveness he conquered sin. If God has
forgiven us, we in turn can forgive and reconcile with others. This is what it
means to live as a child of God. Ever since Jesus rose from the dead, something
has changed in our
lives: his love is greater than our mistakes and our sins. So, let’s all
rejoice!
You might be surprised to know that some people actually choose to walk in darkness rather than in the light. Can you imagine that? Why would they do that? Jesus tells us, "Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their evil deeds will be exposed."
Every day we make choices. If we live by truth, we walk in the light so that it may be plainly seen. As Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." What choice will you make? Will you walk in the light or in the darkness?
Dear Lord, help us to make the right choices and walk in the light. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
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Discussion questions
1.
Who lifted up the
serpent in the desert?
2.
What might people who
believe in the only Son of God have?
3.
What did God send his
Son to the world for?
4.
What is the verdict
for those who have not believed in the only Son of God?
5.
Why do people who do
wicked things hate the light?
6.
What do people who
live the truth come to?
7.
And you, will you choose
to live in the light or in the darkness?
Praying after Communion
After receiving Holy Communion, you can say this prayer silently to yourself. If you
have not yet
received your First Communion, you can still say this prayer because of your desire to
receive Jesus.
Father, through Jesus, in communion with
the whole Church, I thank you for
coming into my heart. Make us a people united in your love.
For your love that fills the world and gives us life, we give you great thanks.
Crossword Puzzle
Source: http://www.usccb.org - Magnifikid - www.sermons4kids.com