A Message from Fr. Jay
Dear Friends,
Nicodemus came to Jesus at night to find the truth about Jesus. The words of Jesus brought light to him. The gospel this weekend is a portion of the 3rd chapter of John’s gospel.
“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”- John 3:20 &21
I came across a funny story on the internet: There was a ‘desert nomad’ who woke up hungry in the middle of the night. He lit a candle and began to eat dates from a bowl beside his bed. He took a bite from one and saw a worm in it, so he threw it out of the tent. He bit another one, found another worm and threw it out as well. Tried another one, it was the same. Finally, reasoning that he would not have any dates left to eat if he continued to look for worms, he blew out the candle and quickly ate the rest of the dates.
Most often we tend to have the same or similar attitude towards Truth like that of the nomad. We like to consume infested realities as truth by concealing under the term ”freedom.” Jesus makes it clear that everything about truth is to be seen clearly as done in God, not with vested interests. There is zero tolerance in proclaiming the Truth. The Truth is “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.” The Truth is given to us by grace not justified by our actions. The more we become transparent to God, the more we are able to see the Truth.
On this Laetare Sunday, if we can find the truth, we will be joyful as mentioned in the entrance antiphon for this Sunday “Rejoice Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning. Exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast.”
This week, Fr. Michael Young is back with us. Take a moment to welcome him and continue to pray for his good health and ministry.
I highly recommend that everyone register and attend the Eucharistic Conference on Saturday, March 16th at Bishop Verot High School, Fort Myers.
God Bless,
Fr. Jay Raju
Reading 1: 2 Chronicles 36: 14-16, 19-23
Reading 11: Ephesians 2:4-10
Gospel: John 3:14-21
