“For the Souls in Purgatory – Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord”
Lifted Up: The Resurrection and Our Journey to Discipleship
John 3:1-8
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.
Grace Prayed For
The grace to step fully into Christ’s light, leaving behind any fear or hesitation, and to courageously live as a witness of His Resurrection by making disciples.
Reflection
The empty tomb is not just a symbol of victory over death—it is an invitation into life. Jesus, the Light of the World, has shattered the darkness, yet how often do we hesitate to step fully into His radiance? This passage from John reminds us that God’s love is a rescue mission, a relentless pursuit to bring us into the fullness of life with Him. The Resurrection is not just an event of the past but a present reality calling us to transformation.
To believe in Jesus is not merely an intellectual assent; it is a surrender to the radiant love that has conquered death. This love does not condemn but redeems, does not accuse but saves. It is a love that sends us forth. As those who have encountered the Risen Christ, we are called to step into the light and make disciples, inviting others into this same redeeming love.
Yet, even as we rejoice in the Resurrection, we must ask ourselves: are there places in our hearts still clinging to the shadows? Do we hold back from fully embracing Christ’s call to go forth? The mission to make disciples is not about eloquent words or perfect knowledge but about living in the truth, allowing Christ’s light to shine through us. The world needs witnesses, those who will stand in the power of the Resurrection and proclaim by their very lives: “He is risen, and in Him, so am I.”
Growing in Intimacy/Union with Jesus
To walk in the light of Christ means to dwell in His love, to trust in His mercy, and to surrender to His saving mission. The more we embrace the truth of His Resurrection, the more we recognize that He is not distant but intimately present, guiding us, strengthening us, and sending us forth. Our intimacy with Jesus deepens as we live in His light, no longer afraid of our own weaknesses but confident in His redeeming power.
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