John 3: 14-21

Jesus said to Nicodemus. “No one has ever gone up into the presence of God except the One who came down from that Presence, the Son of Man. In the same way that Moses lifted the serpent in the desert so people could have something to see and then believe, it is necessary for the Son of Man to be lifted up—and everyone who looks up to him, trusting and expectant, will gain a real life, eternal life.

“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God
when introduced to him.

“This is the crisis we’re in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God. Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won’t come near it, fearing a painful exposure. But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is.”

Gospel Reflection

Along with every other piece of Lenten scripture this is a journey of transformation – Nicodemus walks away under cover of night in confusion; this is a good thing, a very good thing – the crack in the armour of certainty allows the Light to enter. And we know that this is only the beginning – Nicodemus appears again – a public supporter at the trial; and again – a sorrowful witness at the foot of the Cross.

Jesus asks us to be aware of what action our faith calls us to. We must struggle, like Nicodemus, with what we already believe; struggle with the ties that bind us to tradition and convention. Have courage to step out of the shadows and stand beside the call to love; beside the outcast.

To have the compassion to take into our arms, into our lives, a God who so loved the world that he gave us himself.