Dear Friend of Carmel Mission,
“God so loved the world that He gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.” (John 3:16). Take a moment to let that statement, that truth, sink in. God actually went through with the terrible sacrifice with which he tested Abraham. He gave His only beloved Son, Jesus, for you, and for me. Not only for you and for me, but also for our loved ones, for our acquaintances, for millions of people we will never know, and yes, even for our enemies. God’s love is so vast, and simultaneously intimate, that it is beyond our human imagination, but that does not limit its profound effect on our lives.
In the Gospel Jesus is talking to Nicodemus, a secret follower. Nicodemus fears what will happen to him if he openly shares his belief in Jesus. Will he lose friends, will he lose standing in the community, will he face persecution? He continues to risk the nighttime meetings, unwilling to completely commit to the life of a follower of Jesus Christ, but still longing for the light.
We can relate to Nicodemus. We long to be with Jesus, we love Him and try to follow Him. At the same time, we fear being drawn out of our own darkness. Laying bare our fears, our prejudice, our inadequacies. Jesus did not come into the world to condemn you or me or Nicodemus. Jesus came to save us all with His love. Jesus meets us in our darkness; to teach us, to heal us, to encourage us to move toward the light. God’s love shines a light so bright that it can penetrate whatever darkness we may cling to and draw us out, towards the joy and peace that awaits us. I invite you to join me this week, as we continue our Lenten journey, to seek out the light, confident in God’s immense, immeasurable love.
I wish you and your loved ones continued Lenten blessings of good health, renewed hope and God’s unfathomable love,
Fr. Paul
Please take a moment to read our Carmel Mission Weekly Bulletin.