Today, the Church commemorates the discovery of the true cross by St. Helena. In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of being lifted up for the world to believe through the cross. The Gospel reminds me of God’s infinite love through giving His only begotten Son to us. Jesus’ mission is to save the world and not to condemn it. My personal experience is my testimony of Jesus’ love. He saves, not condemns.

Looking back 15 years ago, I cannot help but thank God for His patience. I considered myself as the black sheep in the family, in school and in the community. I often got into troubles. I also got into vices, and because of my waywardness, I lost support for my schooling. With all these shortcomings, however, I realize that God has remained faithful to me. He continues to save me and re-form me. He even invited me to follow Him. His love is enough to cover all my unworthiness. His cross becomes a reminder to me of His intense and unconditional love. Every time I look at the cross, I can imagine Him telling me “I died for you”. He died for me not because I am perfect, but because I am a sinner.

The Gospel is an invitation for me to look at the cross – the sign of His love. It also challenges me to take up my cross and be crucified with Jesus – be crucified by and in His love.

By: Sem. Niñonel Setosta

Today’s Gospel

Jn 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.