Fourth Sunday of Lent
Reading I: 2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23
Psalm: 137:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6
Reading II: Ephesians 2:4-10
Gospel: John 3:14-21
“…For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”
Jesus came to save, not to condemn. Parents seldom condemn their children. They may be deeply hurt or struggle with frustration, but they kept believing in a change. When something goes wrong, we may be tempted to condemn rather than to present something better. We may condemn sects for their wrong teachings or practices, but do we provide fellowship, do we entrust responsibility to people and are we enthusiastic about our faith? We are critical of politicians, but do we support the right people for public office? We complain about our environment, but do we join people who are willing to protect it?
Jesus awakened people; he did not condemn them. He does not condone evil, but he invites us to a better life. Salvation is a gift from God. Nobody can proclaim himself saved for this would mean declaring himself a saint. Our church seldom declares somebody a saint. This happens only after one’s death. Neither do we see material success as a sign of salvation. God does not bribe us into being saved.
Efren Tomas
In 2004, Father Efren arrived on Maui, Hawaii to be the Pastor of Christ The King Catholic Church in Kahului, Maui until 2012. He calls Christ The King his home because this was his first parish in Hawaii.
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