March 10, 2024
Fourth Sunday of Lent

Dear OLA Parish Family, 

 

Jesus explained to Nicodemus that the “Son of Man” must be “lifted up” to bring the authority of God’s kingdom to bear on the earth. The result of Jesus being lifted up on the cross, His rising from the dead, exaltation, and ascension to the Father’s right hand in heaven is our new birth in the Spirit. God pardons us from sin and fills us with His divine life through the gift and working of His Holy Spirit, who dwells within us. God proved He truly loves us and wants us to be united with Him forever by giving us the best he had to offer – His only begotten Son who freely gave Himself as an offering to God as the atoning sacrifice for our sin and the sin of the world. 

 

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). This passage tells us of the breadth of God’s redemptive love. Jesus shows us the paradox of love and judgment. We must make a choice: either love the darkness of sin or the light of God’s goodness. What we value shows what we prefer.  We choose God when we are guided by what is good and beautiful. If we love God above all else and put Him first in our thoughts, decisions, and actions, we will find true joy.

 

Have a blessed day.

 

Yours in Christ,

Father Edward Domme