Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God. And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil.
The gospels in general, and Saint John in particular, present the choice of Jesus as either/or. You must choose; you do not have the choice of not choosing. Nor is there an in-between option, a halfhearted “yeah, okay” response to Jesus.
Those who reject religion in general can prefer that response when Christians challenge them. They might say that, “Life is not an either/or. There is room for tolerance, indifference, live and let live."
That is not my experience. Life demands engagement!
First, democracy is a matter of life and death; we cannot afford to let others decide for us. While you were napping and rapping, someone else was mapping your future. If you don’t vote you don’t count!
There are powerful forces that would undermine democracy by restricting voting to preferred citizens. If they excise African Americans from the poll books, who will be deleted next? Jews? Catholics? The ninety percent who don’t own half the world’s wealth? When less than half of its citizens vote, the nation falls into confusion, chaos, and killing.
Secondly, on a more personal level, I am daily confronted with the question, “Do you really believe prayer and sacrifice are necessary? Do you actually believe this story of one man’s death saving the universe? I mean, C’mon!”
Jesus has warned us, “...the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil.”
Human life demands commitment, dedication, and full engagement. As Saint Paul said, “Whatever you do, do from the heart!”
Catholic faith, with its practice of the sacraments, personal prayers and devotions,
solidarity with the Pope and the universal church, and commitment to justice engages life fully, passionately, and with profound affection. I fear for those who prefer the darkness.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.