In John’s Gospel, Jesus’ death on the cross as well as his resurrection and return to the Father are one event. For him, the cross isa sign of exaltation. The serpent that Moses lifted up in the desert to offer healing to those injured by snake bites prefigures Jesus’ being lifted up on the cross, bringing salvation.

The eternal life God offers through Jesus is not life without end but life lived in the unending presence of God. That is why it can begin now in this life. The world to which God sends the Son is not a place but those people who are at odds with Jesus and God. Jesus is sent to this world as a gift. Only believers accept the gift.

Finally, God’s judgment on the world is not a future cosmic event but a present reality. God sent the Son out of love for the world. However, the world has to decide to accept him. Those who accept him have eternal life at the moment of the decision. Those who reject him don’t.

Family Connection

As a family, sit down together and brainstorm a list of family highlights, moments in the lives of family members that are to be celebrated, such as achievements, accomplishments, and awards. Spend some time reminiscing about these various events or moments. Remind your children of how proud you are of them. Point out that often achievements and accomplishments are signified by the presentation of trophies, medals, ribbons, or certificates. Show some examples of such awards in your family’s possession. Say, We have one other symbol in our home that celebrates a victory that we all can share in. Show a cross or crucifix that you keep on display in your home. Say: This is a symbol of God’s victory over death. Jesus died on the cross, but because of his Resurrection, the cross has become for us, not a symbol of defeat, but a symbol of victory. Explain that the following Gospel is from the Feast of The Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Have a family member read aloud John 3:13–17. Talk about what the word exaltation means—to raise high, to lift up, to sing praise to. Remind your family that whenever they see the cross displayed in your home, it is a reminder to exalt, to praise, God for loving us so much that he gave us his only Son, Jesus. Conclude by praying together the Sign of the Cross, a prayer that exalts God’s love.

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