March 11

ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE
Why is the world the way it is? We all wonder that from time to
time. Each successive generation projects rose-hued longing on
the past and casts furtive glances at the impending future. We see
forces beyond our control in nature and in the newspaper. The
world is changing and we're being pulled out with the tide.
In the face of this confusion, today's Gospel features one of the
most oft-quoted Scripture verses of all time: "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." But if Christ has
come, why is the world so challenging? Why is the world still - to
our eyes - being carried off in a proverbial hand basket? Jesus'
response is a deeply personal one. "This is the verdict, that the
light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light."
Patterns arise, habits are formed, and systems become engrained,
but each is the result of an interconnected web of human choices.
Where do we stand? Our answers, perhaps, vary from week to
week, hour to hour, missed traffic light to spilled coffee to teenage
child's rebellion. The world isn't perfect because we aren't perfect.
Our parish is flawed because we're flawed. Our families need
work because every one of us needs to be converted. Christianity
is a process, not a destination!
This Sunday, Jesus invites us to consider our own lives. Where in
our own lives do we prefer darkness to light? What flaws are we
trying to hide? Humbly acknowledge those places today. Ask God
for the grace to be transformed. Share with your spouse or a
friend where you'd like to improve this week. "Whoever loves
truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as
done in God."
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