A Thank You Note to Jesus

A Reflection on the Gospel for Sunday, September 14th, 2025:
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

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John
3.13-17

Jesus said to Nicodemus: "No one has ascended to heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life."

For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.  Indeed God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

Pause. Pray. Reflect.

Dear Jesus, 

I was taught to write thank you notes for caring gestures, lovely gifts (and even those that may not have been lovely), and acts of generosity. And I realized recently that I have never written a thank you note to You.  I mean, what could be more caring, loving, and generous than giving Your life up for me?? Maybe I've never written You this note because I never knew You in real life. Yet, I do know You. I have met You, in the people and experiences I encounter everyday. More importantly You know me. And for me, You sacrificed your life so that I could know Love; the love of God the Father. Except for You, no one has ever died for me, and I dare say no one ever will. 

It’s little mind blowing to me, a lowly human, to think of someone giving up their life for me.  But You’re not just someone—You’re the Son of God! You’re kinda a big deal. But You didn’t make a big deal when you came to be with us. You were born in a dirty stable. You lived a simple life with Your mother and adoptive carpenter father. And when it was time, You told the world about the Father, and the transformative power of His love. You proposed Him. You didn’t force God’s love on anyone. You simply witnessed that love countless times to people of all ages and stages. You not only taught others about this Love but You taught them how to love. And again, when it was time, You gave your life on the Cross, the endgame for a common criminal at the time. An ultimate gift of love so that all people—past, present, and future—would never be separated from Love. 

However, I don’t always witness this love to a world that so needs it.  I am sorry for the times that I take this gift for granted. I do that all too often, assuming that You will always be there. And the wild thing is, You will be. After all, You did not come into this world to condemn us but rather save us.  I can choose to do really dumb things and ignore all You’ve shared and taught and yet…You still choose me.  And so I chose You and believe You are active and alive in my life helping me to do good in this crazy mixed up world. 


And so daily I choose to do and be better. 


Sending a simple thank you note seems too small a gesture to capture my gratitude for the completely caring, loving, generous gift you gave and continue to give. But You don’t ask me for grand gestures, eloquent prose or awe-inspiring actions in return. If I do such things, using the gifts You gave me—so be it. But You simply ask me to respond to the steadfast love You offer me with love. 

So for everything, with love, thank You.



Aurea Sadi

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