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Gospel Reflection

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What Does it Mean that “God So Loved the World” in John 3:16?


by Jennifer Slattery


"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16


John 3:16 can easily run through our brains without much cognizant thought, but have we paused to consider what it truly means? Have we contemplated the depth of truths packed within this verse, preserved by God Himself, throughout countless generations? Most importantly, how do we live in the reality that John 3:16 presents—that God, who is love, actively demonstrated His love through Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, and through Him, offered salvation to all mankind.


The Biblical Context of John 3:16


Let’s take a look at that verse now. It reads, “For God so loved the world,” or, as the NLT puts it, “This is how God loved the world: He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” There’s so much to unpack in those words, but first, we need to understand the historical and literary context surrounding them. We find John 3:16, perhaps one of the clearest presentations of the gospel, tucked in a conversation between Jesus and a prestigious religious ruler. You may be familiar with the story. 


One night, presumably after many of his colleagues were home in bed, a Pharisee named Nicodemus from the Jewish ruling council came to Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we know that You are a teacher who comes from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him” (John 3:2). This statement suggests a few things: Nicodemus was familiar with Jesus, most likely respected Him, and recognized that He indeed came from God, just like John 3:16 later states. Nicodemus obviously knew of the miracles Jesus had performed. He’d probably heard many truths Jesus spoke as well, all of which seemed to have triggered a driving question: Who are you? Perhaps you’ve asked God that yourself. Beneath his words of affirmation, of wonderment, Nicodemus appears to be investigating Jesus’ identity. To which Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 3:6). READ MORE

From the Environmental Justice Committee

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Spiritual Growth Opportunity

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Upcoming Events

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Sunday, June 4 @ 6:30 pm

Transgender Catholic Families and Individuals Share Their Experiences Living in a Catholic Parish

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Wednesday, June 7 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Environmental Justice Meeting

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Thursday, June 8 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Justice & Peace Ministry Meeting

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Sunday, June 11 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Laudato Si in Spoken Word

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Sunday, June 11 @ 11:15 am - 12:30 pm

Embracing God's Gifts

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Tuesday, June 13 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Reading and Discussion Group — Olga Dies Dreaming by Xóchitl González

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June 13 June 25, 26; July 3, 10, 17, 24

An Ignatian Summer Retreat: Inner Peace in Divine Love

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Tuesday, June 27 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Women Who Stay

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It’s not Christmas yet, however...

You may not be willing to entertain Christmas in May, but our staff must be ever vigilant and prepared for high holy days like December 25th. St. Ignatius’ older Nativity set was recently restored, yet lacked a manger large enough to fit them comfortably. Pime and Raul got to work, studied different mangers, and built a fitting stall for the Holy Family and the oxen. They are putting their finishing touches on it and will unveil it at the Birth of our Savior in December. In the meantime, when you see these two gentlemen, thank them for their care and attention to detail. It’s our staff that keep St. Ignatius alive and beautiful!

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A Note of Thanks

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Editor's Note: You may remember that in February we dedicated the Poor Box collections to emergency support for those affected by the earthquakes in Syria. We thought you might like hearing an update about your contribution towards those efforts.

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Rev. Brian Frain SJ

St. Ignatius Catholic Community

740 North Calvert Street

Baltimore MD 21202

United States of America


17 May 2023


Dear Rev. Frain,


On behalf the Jesuit Refugee Service, and especially our colleagues and volunteers

providing emergency support to those affected by the earthquakes in Syria, thank you

and the St. Ignatius Catholic Community for the gift of USD 1,450 we received on 19 April

2023 to support our response.


I just visited Syria, and I was deeply impressed with our work in the Al-Sakhour

community of Aleppo. The community is 100% Muslim, without electricity, with buildings

damaged by war and/or earthquake seemingly outnumbering those that are habitable.

Our community center there offers essential help: psychosocial support, homework

clubs, education for children forced to work to support their families, as well as a clinic

and dispensary focused on pre-natal, pediatric, and chronic illness care. READ MORE

From The Loyola School

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Housing Needs


The Loyola School is seeking housing for a female student from Notre Dame University, Indiana who will be working at the Loyola School this summer.


She will be arriving on June 19 and needs accommodation until August 14. She has a fellowship from the Center for Social Concerns at Notre Dame. 


The student is a rising senior studying Sociology, Education, and Business Economics. If you have an extra room, "in-law" apartment or need a reliable house sitter while you travel please let us know!


Please email Erica Meadows at [email protected] or call 443 563-2589 if you have any ideas about housing for our summer intern.

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Offerings & Prayers & Snapshots

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This week's collection: 

Vulnerable Families in Crisis


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Pray for those who are sick

and on our Prayer List.


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READER NOTIFICATION:  

Parish: 'the thought' is a publication of St. Ignatius Catholic Community—Baltimore. Each edition contains articles and news feeds that are included for awareness of current topics in our world today. The positions expressed by outside authors and news feeds are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of St. Ignatius Catholic Community or its staff.

 - This e-zine was designed and compiled by John C. Odean
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