God’s Infinite Love

Fourth Sunday of Lent

John 3:14-21

Jesus said to Nicodemus: “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent 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 but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn 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, 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 may be clearly seen as done in God.”

Opening Prayer: Lord, thank you for this moment that I have to come close to you in prayer. Fill me with your love and draw me to your light.

Encountering Christ:

1. Creator: Imagine God in heaven looking down on humanity as he contemplates his very own creation–a creation that is his very own image and likeness–that he brought to existence from nothing, born out of his love. This Love, this Word, this light, this son of Mary is the Creator’s freely given gift to mankind for the expiation of our sins. The infant child grows into a man who preaches and heals, suffers and dies, and rises again for the sake of every soul created by God. That’s how much God so loves the world.
2. What Does God Want?: This question forms the foundation of our spiritual lives. God has taken the initiative so that we can enjoy eternal life with him. Love has its source in God himself who desires that we abide with him. We have been loved, are loved, and will always be loved. He wants us to know that in no way have we been abandoned. He is always with us. He asks only that we love him in return.
3. God Loves the World: God loves the entire world. His love is not limited to one nation. His love is not limited to one people. His love is not limited to good people. Just as the rain falls on the just and the unjust, so is the love God has for the world. No one is outside the love of God. God’s love is infinite and never changes.

Conversing with Christ: Father in heaven, today I ask that you help me to experience your love. Love is experiential. Love is known through actions. Show your love to me in a palpable way, that I may know better how to imitate you in my love for others.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will look at my life and the circumstances surrounding my present situation, name a blessing you have given me, and thank you wholeheartedly.

For Further Reflection: God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? (Numbers 23:19).

Father Joshua West is a Legionary of Christ priest serving as chaplain at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina.