In today’s first reading from Acts 5, we see the first of numerous jail breaks in the Acts of the Apostles. Seems that the authorities wanted to keep the Apostles silent, to stop them from preaching Jesus. So they kept throwing them in the pokey. But God would have none of it. So He sent an angel to fling open the doors of the prison. Did the Apostles run and hide after breaking out? No way! The very next day they went right back to the temple area to teach about Jesus.
Today’s Gospel reading begins with John 3:16. This is probably the most well-known verse in the Bible. Most people know it, and if they don’t, they surely know of it. Always reminds me of the guy with the big rainbow wig back in the 70’s and 80’s who held up a sign with JOHN 3:16 at sporting events. “God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.”
This verse has been called “the Gospel in a nutshell.” It speaks to all of humanity. But it goes much deeper than that. I want to suggest that you personalize this verse today. Read it for yourself. Like this: God so loved me that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that if I believe in him, I might not perish, but I might have eternal life. Because, while God did send his Son for “the world,” he still would have sent Him if you were the only person in the world. That’s the Good News.
Father, thank you for sending your Son for the world…for me. Strengthen my belief, that I might not perish, but might have eternal life. Amen.
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