Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter
(Acts 5:17-26; John 3:16-21)
The gospel today begins with one of the most famous verses in the entire Bible. In fact, John 3:16 has been called “the Gospel in miniature.” It boldly proclaims God’s love and tells of the eternal destiny for all who care to be formed by that Gospel.
The passage reads that Jesus is not here to condemn humans but to offer them a choice. They can either receive him, the light of the world, in order to live in charity. Or they can remain in the darkness of sinful desires. It is instructive that Nicodemus, whom Jesus is addressing here, first comes to Jesus “at night” indicating his complexity in sin. However, he makes a final appearance in broad daylight after the crucifixion to bury Jesus. With this most charitable of acts he has definitively opted for the light of the world.
We may ask if it is possible to receive Jesus and still maintain some sinful desire. Perhaps we enjoy gossip or maybe a pornographic Internet channel. No, the light of the world will not admit any darkness although he does listen to our prayers for mercy. If we sincerely petition and duly follow, he will enable us to walk the way of eternal life.
