Holy Trinity by Szyman Czechowicz (1756-1758)
Jesus continues to teach Nicodemus about his true origins from God above. “The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things.” (John 3: 31)
We need a balanced ‘theology’ or understanding of God. God is indeed from above, and is the creator and author of all things. And, yet, The Father sent his Son, Jesus into the world to reveal the love and mercy of God, and to offer his life as a ransom for our sins.
My own ‘image’ of Jesus is mostly composed of his earthly ministry, passion and death. In other words, I think of Jesus more often in those settings, rather than of him in his risen glory, or in his place at the Father’s right hand.
Today’s Collect, or Opening Prayer for Mass sums up beautifully the balance we seek in our understanding of God:
O God, who for the salvation of the world brought about the paschal sacrifice, be favorable to the supplications of your people, so that Christ our High Priest, interceding on our behalf, may by his likeness to ourselves bring us reconciliation, and by his equality with you free us from our sins.
Likeness to us; equality with God, this is Jesus!
Today’s Mass and Homily:
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