“For the Souls in Purgatory – Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord”
The Spirit’s Empowering Word: Sharing Jesus’ Message with Authority
John 3:31-36
“The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is of the earth is of the earth and belongs to the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 1 Whoever accepts his testimony 2 affirms that God is true. For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. 3 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on 4 him.”
Grace Prayed For
Lord, grant us the grace to truly believe in the authority of your Son and the truth of his message. Fill us with your Spirit, that we may speak with power and conviction, sharing the good news of the resurrection with the world. Help us to live in the light of your truth and to be faithful witnesses to your love.
Reflection
Imagine standing before the vastness of the ocean, feeling the salty spray, and knowing that its depths hold mysteries beyond our comprehension. This is how I feel when I contemplate Jesus, “the one who comes from above.” He isn’t just a teacher or a prophet; he’s the very embodiment of God’s heart, a messenger carrying the weight of heaven’s love. When I hear that “no one accepts his testimony,” my heart aches. How can we, with our limited earthly perspectives, reject the very voice that speaks truth and life?
Yet, there’s a whisper of hope: “Whoever accepts his testimony affirms that God is true.” It’s not just intellectual agreement, but a deep, soul-level recognition. It’s like finding a compass in a storm, a sure guide in the chaos of life. Jesus, filled with the Spirit without measure, speaks words that resonate with my deepest longings. The Father’s love, poured out through the Son, is a love that holds “all things in his hand”—including my heart, my fears, my doubts.
The resurrection isn’t just a historical event; it’s a personal invitation. It’s Jesus saying, “I’ve conquered death, I’ve broken the chains that bind you, and I offer you eternal life.” But the warning is also clear: to disobey is to turn away from life itself, to remain in the shadow of God’s wrath. This isn’t a threat, but a loving plea. It’s God saying, “Don’t turn away from the light, from the love that sets you free.”
The Great Commission isn’t just about sharing information; it’s about sharing this intimate encounter with Jesus. It’s about letting the love that transformed my life overflow into the lives of others. When I step out to make disciples, I’m not just speaking words; I’m sharing the very essence of my relationship with Jesus, the one who came from above and holds my heart in his hands. I am sharing my testimony of the profound change the resurrection has created in my life. I am sharing my personal encounter with the risen lord.
In essence: This passage isn’t just about theology; it’s about a love so deep, so personal, that it reshapes our very existence. It’s about recognizing Jesus as the one who knows us intimately, who speaks truth into our souls, and who invites us to share that truth with a world longing for his love.
Growing in Intimacy/Union with Jesus
This passage reveals the profound intimacy between Jesus and the Father, a relationship characterized by love and authority. By recognizing Jesus’ unique authority and the truth of his testimony, we deepen our connection with him. We come to understand that our faith is not based on blind belief, but on the truth of his words, confirmed by the resurrection. As we embrace this truth and share it with others, we experience a greater intimacy with Jesus, walking in the light of his love and authority.
When Time Allows Reflect on the Posts in Library and Musings
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post