Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: September 14, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Scripture Text: John 3:13-17

Jesus said to Nicodemus: "No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life." 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.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today is that of Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus in the Gospel of John in which He revealed to Nicodemus his future crucifixion, though Nicodemus did not understand Jesus’ reference. Jesus also reveals that through His death and resurrection, eternal life was won for those who believe in Jesus. Finally, Jesus reveals himself as the Son of God sent by the Father for the salvation of humanity.

How does this pertain to us today?

The salvation won through Jesus’ sacrifice was for all humanity, even us who are born millenniums later. And the condition of our salvation and eternal life remains the same, belief in Jesus Christ, Son of God, who died so that we might have life in abundance.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I accept Jesus Christ as Son of God, Savior? Do I contemplate his selfless sacrifice for me, the fact that I was on His mind while He was on the cross?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner. Send your Spirit to help me follow in your footsteps as your disciple and live as the one I was created to be, child of God. Amen.