"THE SON OF MAN MUST BE LIFTED UP"
LENT is a privileged season that invites us to bring more to life in us the memory of the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As a time of penance,Lent is also an ideal occasion to receive the "Sacrament of reconciliation" (confession).The whole liturgy of Lent guides us toward the Sacrament of reconciliation with God and his Church.
"The Son of Man (Jesus) must be lifted up" (John 3,14).
John uses a play of words that sums up in one word the whole meaning of Lent and Easter.
To be "lifted up" is said of a condemned person who is hoisted on a cross; but it is also said of a King who is raised to the throne.
John tries, in that one word,to summarise his faith in Jesus of Nazareth. He is the Man who founders disgraced and cast out; and the disciples had a terribly hard time with this downfall of their Master. But it is precisely in this downfall that God proved how great Jesus was: He remained faithful to the end, and God remained faithful to him all the way. In his downfall is manifested the greatness of Jesus; on the Cross He shows the immense strength of his faithfulness and of the trust that animates Him. He became obedient unto death,even death on the Cross.
The Cross shows us how God loves us.
"God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son,so that everyone who believes in Him may not be lost,but may have eternal life" (John 3,16)
"If God is for us, who is against us? He who has not spared even His own Son but has delivered Him for us all, how can He fail to grant us also all things with Him? Who shall make accusation against the elect of God? It is God who justifies. Who shall condemn?It is Jesus who died;yes,and rose again, He who is at the right hand of God,and who also intercedes for us!" (Romans 8,31-34).
The Cross is the most beautiful evidence of God's love for each of us.
Let us ask forgiveness from the Lord for the times we have refused his love or remained indifferent to it.