Today’s Reading is from John 3: 16-18. “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 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 Son of God.”
This is a popular passage, and with good reason. It promises eternal joy to those who believe in He Who fulfilled the prophets.
“Whoever believes in Him will not be condemned . . .” What does “believe” mean? To many, merely believing is enough to give them salvation, no matter what they do. And, many who say they “believe” pay little attention to His Commandments, giving in to improper thoughts, words, and deeds while justifying wrong behavior with the deception, “It’s okay because I believe.”
Will belief without obedience save? That sort of “belief” is not sufficient for salvation.
What of those who do not choose to believe His instruction, also from John, “If you do not eat My Body and drink My Blood, you do not have life in you . . . “
Some reflection may lead to many conclusions, but the safest is: “The only way I may receive His Body and Blood is through Catholic Communion. I’d better do that.”
It is better to accompany belief with obedience. The more obedience, the better.
