Gospel: John 3: 16-21
Western religion has fallen into the trap of equating religions with a series of abstract propositions that require the assent of the intellect. Faith in this context is an intellectual exercise and nothing more, a matter for the mind and not the heart. This phenomenon explains our incessant perseveration over creeds, statements of faith, catechisms, and loyalty oaths. Devotees of such exercises will point to today's Gospel passage to justify such activities.
But is that really what Jesus is saying? Throughout the passage Jesus equates belief in him with actions and behaviors. We just spent an entire week reflecting on the futility of loyalty oaths among the disciples, noting how their behavior did not at all correspond to these pledges. In fact, every teaching and parable of Jesus on judgment - Matthew 25, the parable of the rich man and Lazarus - refer to our performing or failure to perform mitzvah: good deeds, deeds of loving kindness, works of mercy to others. In no place is judgment a catechism quiz, a profession of faith, or an attendance record at a particular liturgical form.
We are to perform mitzvah and deeds of mercy because God did so for us. God saved us from slavery and sin; God showed mercy to us. To be like God - to be Godlike - is to live a life of mercy toward others. This is what it is to believe in Jesus; it is to live as he did, performing loving-kindness wherever we go to everyone we meet.
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