14 March, Sunday — The Greatest Gift

4th Sunday of Lent

2 Chr 36:14-16, 19-23
Eph 2:4-10
Jn 3:14-21

 Yes, God loved the world so much….

There is vast wisdom and richness in all of today’s readings that we could all easily expound on and contemplate.

From 2 Chronicles 36:

• because He had compassion on His people…
• But they ridiculed the messengers of God…
• …to fulfil the word of the Lord that was spoken through Jeremiah.

From Ephesians 2:

• God…who was generous in his mercy…
• …when we were dead through our sins..
• …how infinitely rich he is in grace…
• We are God’s work of art…

From John 3:

• But that the world might be saved through him…
• That the light has come into the world…
• That whosoever believes in Him…
• For God so loved the world…..

But, John 3:16, perhaps the most popular, most visibly written on large poster boards at sporting events, most quoted line in all of scripture, is in our Gospel reading today, and whether it shouts or whispers, it contains the greatest love story. 

Every time I see, hear or read John chapter 3 or the full verse, I think of my Aunt Jeannie. Decades ago, when I was in my early teens, my Air Force family was visiting family in New Jersey, and my sister and I stayed (always) with my cousins at Uncle John and Aunt Jeannie’s. One rainy day, I pulled a beautiful white and gold book from my Aunt Jeannie’s shelf and read it cover to cover. I have always loved words that speak in timeless fashion, and when I read this I wrote it down. When I retuned home, I typed it up and kept it in a yellow binder that I filled with words that touched my heart. This is still one of my favorites.

            John 3:16

            GOD – the greatest lover.

            SO LOVED – the greatest degree.

            THE WORLD – the greatest company.

            THAT HE GAVE – the greatest act.

            HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON – the greatest gift.

            THAT WHOSOEVER – the greatest opportunity.

            BELIEVETH – the greatest simplicity.

            IN HIM – the greatest attraction.

            SHOULD NOT PERISH – the greatest promise.

            BUT – the greatest difference.

            HAVE – the greatest certainty.

            ETERNAL LIFE – the greatest possession.

                                                                        davies

(Today’s OXYGEN by Gina Ulicny)

Prayer: Father God, in this vast world, we sometimes have a glimpse of how tiny and fleeting we are. Help us to live our lives in a way that we reflect Your love to everyone you place in our path. 

Thanksgiving: Thank you Father God, for the greatest gift.