To browse more spiritual readings, please go to: http://www.webprayze.com

It doesn’t get any simpler: we are saved by God’s goodness in the person of His Son Jesus the Christ. In one sense it is all there – we are saved by the cross and resurrection of Jesus, but the realization of that wondrous reality takes us a lifetime to receive.

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Numbers 21: 4b-9

Psalm 78:1bc-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38

Philippians 2:6-11;

J ohn 3:13-17 (Jesus answered) "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man. (14) And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, (15) that whoever believes in him may have eternal life." (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. (17) For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

Meditation by Tom Shanahan, S.J.

T oday’s feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and the text from the Gospel passage, “for God so loved the world that He gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him might not perish, but have eternal life,” puts us at the very center of our life of faith in Jesus.  It doesn’t get any simpler: we are saved by God’s goodness in the person of His Son Jesus the Christ.

But with so many issues of our faith life that we describe as simple, the simplicity masks some of the difficulties that we have in accepting the tremendous love of God for us.  In one sense it is all there – we are saved by the cross and resurrection of Jesus, but the realization of that wondrous reality takes us a lifetime to receive.

The profound reality of God’s love in the person of Jesus is our very reason to be as Christians.  We are blessed beyond any measure by that love.  It is the very cornerstone of our faith in God and in Christ.

My prayer for us all is that as we contemplate that marvelous goodness of God and Jesus’ words recorded in John’s gospel each day of our lives.  So that we can understand it, yes, but more specially that we may joyfully live it because indeed God does love the world and us so that we have eternal life, the ultimate gift of God to you and me.  And that the cross that we live each of our days will link us to Jesus’ own life, death and resurrection.

Help us then, Lord, to be so united with the paschal mystery of Jesus, that through Him the world can become a better place to dwell.  You promise us much for this life and for our eternal presence with You; may we live into that promise each day.

Supplementary Reading

Cleansed and Set Apart

…But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God - 1 Corinthians 6:11

Do you know how valuable you are to God today? Not only did He pay a precious price in order to have a relationship with you; He cleansed you, set you apart, and made you brand new.

Think of it this way, if you saved your money and purchased a very rare and valuable piece of jewelry, you wouldn't just leave it around the house or office. You probably wouldn't wear it to the gym or to work in the yard. You wouldn't let your children play with it. No, you would set it apart and protect it. You would polish it, keep it clean and show it off on special occasions. You would handle it carefully because it's valuable.

Friend, understand today that you are valuable to Almighty God. He handles you carefully. As a follower of Jesus, He has set you apart for a specific purpose. He is proud of you. You are His most prized treasure. Let that sink down into your heart today. Meditate on His goodness as you realize your worth in Him!

Father in heaven, thank You for loving me. Thank You for choosing me and setting me apart for Your glory. I receive Your love today and invite You to have Your way in every area of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen. - Joel & Victoria Osteen

GOD BLESS US ALL!

O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.

For past gospel meditations or to browse spiritual readings, you may visit the following:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=216458741502#!/home.php?sk=mynotes

http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com

http://www.webprayze.com