Day 22

Scripture: John 3:16 — “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Clip: Lazarus resurrection

Reflection:

We often quote John 3:16 as a beautiful, abstract concept. At the tomb of Lazarus, we see what it looks like. Love is not detached. Love weeps. Love gets angry at the “last enemy,” death. Love enters the place of our deepest grief and shouts into the darkness. “God so loved” that He stood at the grave of His friend, felt the full weight of our loss, and then acted. He gave life.

Prayer:

Jesus, thank You for a love that is not afraid of my grief. Thank You for weeping with me. Stand at the “tomb” in my life—the place of death and hopelessness. Be angry at what is broken. And then, Lord, speak Your life-giving word. “Come forth.”

Practice:

Reach out today to someone who feels overlooked. Offer a word of kindness or presence.

From the Catechism (CCC):
“God’s love for man is fundamental: it is the key to understanding the mystery of ourselves.” (CCC 221)

From YOUCAT:
“Jesus shows us that God’s essence is love; He became man so that we could know and love God in return.” (YOUCAT 79)