Yes, 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. For God sent his Son into the world not to condemn the world, but so that through him the world might be saved. (John 3:16-17)

John 3:13-17

Spend a little time again gazing at Jesus on the cross. What does Jesus say to you? Now we see Jesus’ mother, Mary and the disciple whom Jesus loved (all of us) standing at the foot of the cross. Mary is standing; she is not prostrate on the ground. We see her strength and trust. “All she can do is ponder, hold the tension, stand silently amidst the misunderstanding, bigotry, and jealousy, and, in that, try to gestate its opposite – understanding, compassion, and love.” (Ron Rolheiser, Reflection 29082025). Sometimes, in our unavoidable suffering, we are called not to retaliation, but to ‘ponder’ and to contribute to bringing peace and good into the world. 

When we, the body of Christ, gaze at Jesus on the cross, we see Jesus carrying our wounds and suffering with us. We need never be alone. Jesus does not meet violence with violence, but forgives those who crucified him. Forgiveness is Jesus’ power in his vulnerability. He makes clear that he is sent “into the world not to condemn the world”, but to bring compassionate healing to both the victim and the perpetrator. Will we do the same, remembering that forgiveness includes accountability and restitution? Forgiveness brings freedom.

Jesus’ mission of love is now ‘accomplished’ and as he dies, he says in the most profound love and trust, “Father into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) The love that Jesus teaches is the very love which we see between Father and Son in the Spirit, as he surrenders himself in confidence into the Father’s embrace. Jesus loved in total surrender, and this is what saves us. He accepted the human lot and transformed it into the path to glory. 

Resurrection is the gift. God longs for us to co-create in love, to participate in the transformation of creation by living love. God longs for our love. We are resurrection children! Let us live this by helping those on crosses today.

Let me ponder Jesus on the cross and enter into dialogue with him.

Do I believe that ‘Jesus came not to condemn,... but to save?’

Is love my image of God?

For what am I grateful?

Will I merge my love with the great flowing river of Divine Love?

Reflections by Kath Knowles

Loving and beloved God,
You created us out of love, from love and for love. You have invited us into union with you, now, and for all eternity. 
May we respond in faith and love to your love. Open our hearts to receive your gifts and the intimacy of being resurrection children.
Amen.

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