REFLECTIONS TODAY

“For God so loved the world, he gave us his only Son, Jesus Christ our Savior, his most precious one”—this line taken from today’s Gospel opens Tell the World of His Love, the official theme song of World Youth Day 1995 in Manila. The song continues to be sung in Masses and religious gatherings today. 
“World” (Greek kosmos) is used in John’s Gospel with variety of meanings. In the first place, it means the cosmos that was created by God. It is the totality of God’s creation. It may also refer to the world of humanity, as when Jesus claims, “I am the light of the world” (Jn 8:12), or when he declares to Nicodemus, “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son” (Jn 3:16). The world may also stand for people at enmity with God, those who oppose God’s will and purpose. 
 

The world in today’s Gospel refers to people who do not accept Jesus (Jn 1:11). Jesus is the target of their opposition, and he will fall victim to their hostility. In his absence, the world’s hatred will be directed to his associates and friends. Jesus urges his followers to love one another. If love is the distinguishing mark of the disciples, then hatred characterizes the world’s response to Jesus’ followers. 

Think of the “world”! As it is God’s creation and gift to us, do we do our share to make the world a better place to live in? As it is standing for humanity, does our heart transcend our narrow horizon to feel for other people? As it is a reality opposed to the will of God and one that makes itself “another god,” do we strive not to turn into worshipers of the world and its pleasures?

First Reading • Acts 5:17-26
The high priest rose up and all his companions, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and, filled with jealousy, laid hands upon the Apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night, the angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison, led them out, and said, “Go and take your place in the temple area, and tell the people everything about this life.” When they heard this, they went to the temple early in the morning and taught. When the high priest and his companions arrived, they convened the Sanhedrin, the full senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the jail to have them brought in. But the court officers who went did not find them in the prison, so they came back and reported, “We found the jail securely locked and the guards stationed outside the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” When the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard this report, they were at a loss about them, as to what this would come to. Then someone came in and reported to them, “The men whom you put in prison are in the temple area and are teaching the people.” Then the captain and the court officers went and brought them, but without force, because they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.