THROUGH CHRIST WE GAIN GOD’S LOVE BY MELVYN BROWN

THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT Reflection by Melvyn Brown

SAINT PAUL , in his letter to the Romans said , “ Therefore , since we are justified by faith , we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand , and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God. “ (Rom.5:1-2).

The Christian faith is insulated in Jesus.

This third Sunday in lent leads us into the core belief and trust in Christ, “ God’s love had been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. “ (Rom.5:5). Today, we prepare for the realms of Easter. Christ’ suffering becomes God’s triumph and humankind begins a new phase for reconciliation and peace in the world.

The horrific earthquake in Japan has shocked the world. The impact of both , the quake and the tsunami had the ferocity of 16000 atomic bombs, reports The Telegraph (12.3.2011). At this time of lent all Christians turn to Jesus in prayer, for through him God’s love will heal the sorrow and suffering of families who have lost their loved ones ; friends , neighbours and strangers .

When Moses led his people out of Egypt many died of thirst. He was eventually confronted by the people. “Is the Lord among us or not ?”(Ex.17:7). And Moses, afraid of his life turned to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people ? They are almost ready to stone me ?” (Ex.17:4).

The Lord told Moses to take with him the elders of Israel to the rock at Horeb. At the place Moses was instructed to strike the rock with his rod and water gushed out. The prophet called the place Massah and Meribah, because the people had been in doubt about God.

In our life there are a number of possibilities for good. They can be effective if you trust in Him. THROUGH CHRIST WE GAIN GOD’S LOVE. Say this many times and mean it .

God’s love reaches out to us as we struggle between contradictions and swings of conscious. Slowly, we gravitate to a better understanding of our personal and spiritual needs. Prayers have and increasingly confident outcome if one turns to His through Jesus. It has been said repeatedly, ask and you shall receive. Lent is the time to review and put forward your wishes - always believing that God will hear your prayers through His Son Jesus.

This season of lent we are most strongly made aware of sin , evil and temptation, especially with injustice and the delusional trends of present-day society. Jesus is the demarcation of our faith and belief .

Inevitably, with trust in Jesus , he shields us when we seek his help.

Christ always triumphs and saves humanity.

“Oh, come, let us sing to the Lord ! Give a joyous shout I honour of the Rock of our salvation ! Come before him with thankful hearts. Let us sing him psalms of praise. “ Psalm 95.