TrulyGrace

EPH 2:4-10

JN 3:14-21

Themes and points for discussion for this set of readings were several: 

The Chronicles reading:  the Lord-imposed retreat called the Sabbath or Purgatory, St. John Paul (Pope JPII) "Sin is its own  punishment."  Freedom leads to love.

The Ephesians reading:  Grace is not meritorious, it is a "gift of God," we gain it by faith.  There are consequences...my life IS my life in God.  George Bennaios, attributed to St. John Vianney, "All is grace."

The Gospel reading:  Nicodemus was a leader of the temple, who arrived by night re: baptism.  

There are consequences.  St. Philip Neri said not to reject a cross, as you will find three other, heavier crosses in its place.  God wants us to freely choose to love (Him).  

World vs. the Cosmos...choosing worldliness versus the Cosmos, which God sets free.

I remember what I told Maureen, that if you ask for a lighter cross, that God may truncate your cross, but when you reach the chasm, you will not be able to use your cross to ford the chasm and continue in the Way, as it is too short now.   (One of the discussions of the Bible Study was regarding a posting on Facebook that one of us read a couple of years ago.)

Just some thoughts on this Sunday's readings!

My boo boos I incurred when I fell on the way back from Bible Study on Wednesday are kind of like stigmata (eek!) Five boo boos on one hand and one of the other...Five boo boos like the five wounds of Christ.