Daily Gospel Reflection for September 14, 2015

Today's Gospel: John 3:13-17

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Today’s Gospel is a foreshadowing of Jesus’ death. He alludes to being “lifted up.” We know He was lifted up on the Cross. However, it is what His death meant that is important.

By Jesus’ death, those who believe are given eternal life. This is life-changing news! If we believe, we are given eternal life. Let that sink in.

The Gospel also tells us Jesus didn’t come to condemn us even though we deserve it. He came to save us. This means He knows what we have done. He knows we have failed. He knows we have sinned. Yet, He doesn’t give us what we deserve. He saves us. That is truly the Good News!

Ponder:

Do I really understand what Jesus’ death meant?

Do I condemn myself even though Jesus doesn’t? Do I forgive myself?

Do I act like a person saved from myself and my sins?

Pray:

Jesus, thank You for dying so I could be saved. Help me to truly understand the significance of it. Remove my self-condemnation. Teach me to forgive myself as You have forgiven me. Allow me to live a saved person always extending the mercy You’ve shown me to others. Amen.

We thank our friends at The Word Among Us for providing our gospel reflection team with copies of Abide In My Word 2015: Mass Readings at Your Fingertips. To pray the daily gospels with this wonderful resource, visit The Word Among Us.

Copyright 2015 Ellen Toole