Daily Readings - Sun Jun 11 2017
John
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the profound love of God and the call to live in harmony and unity. The second reading from 2 Corinthians encourages us to rejoice, be perfected, and live in peace, with the God of peace and love abiding among us. This passage, part of Paul’s farewell to the Corinthian community, emphasizes the importance of living in harmony and mutual encouragement. The greeting with a holy kiss and the exchange of greetings among the saints highlight the communal nature of our faith and the bonds that unite us as followers of Christ.
The Gospel from John 3:16-18 is one of the most well-known passages in Scripture, proclaiming the depth of God’s love for the world. It reminds us that God’s gift of His only-begotten Son is not one of judgment but of salvation. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but those who do not believe are already judged because they have not accepted the light of God’s love. This passage underscores the universal offer of salvation and the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ.
These readings are deeply connected, as both emphasize the love of God and the unity it brings. Paul’s exhortation to live in peace and harmony reflects the same love that John’s Gospel describes as the reason for God’s gift of salvation. In our daily lives, we are called to embody this love by fostering unity and reconciliation in our relationships. Let us strive to live as children of God, spreading His love and peace to a world in need. May we remember that our faith is not just a personal belief but a shared journey of love and service to one another.