Word to the Wise
Sunday, March 15, 2015 - 4th Sunday of Lent - B
[2 Chr 36:14-16, 19-23; Eph 2:4-10; John 3:14-21]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. [John]
These words of Jesus are familiar to many if only because there are folks who have large banners at televised athletic events with the words: JOHN 3:16 on them, which is the citation for the verse I quoted above! These words really sum up the content of the Gospel of John and the content of Christian faith. But they are a challenge.
Jesus speaks these words to Nicodemus, a Pharisee, who comes to him at night because of fear of his fellow Pharisees. He may represent more than just himself. There may have been other "secret" or "curious" believers who could not publicly commit themselves. Later on in the passage Jesus says, "But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God." Nicodemus fades back into the dark until Jesus is crucified and then appears again with Joseph of Arimathea to claim the body of Jesus.
Jesus also speaks of those who prefer darkness to light because their deeds are evil. But Nicodemus is afraid, not evil. Belief in Jesus requires a kind of "leap of faith" that can be frightening to someone who comes to believe later in life. At the Easter Vigil, when the church receives new members or welcomes back those who have wandered away, there are many stories of faith and "coming into the light" which is symbolized by the large Paschal Candle at the ceremony. I would encourage members of the Beloved Congregation to meet some of these people and even act as sponsors for them.
It is important always to remember that the words, "God so loved the world," mean that Christ represents God's love and this is the love that we who are baptized should reflect to the world, especially to the "Nicodemuses" who may approach us from the darkness. AMEN
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