Barcena, Nicole Frances G.
BSN 1B / RE 112
1. How does the Gospel of John’s portrayal of Jesus as the “Light of the World” (John 8:12) provide moral
guidance in an era of ethical confusion?
- In John’s Gospel, Jesus proclaims, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never
walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Based on my own understanding, the
“Light of the World” serves as a guidance whenever you feel like you’re drowning with your own
thoughts or when life becomes overwhelming, with having the darkness serving as your
problems and struggles. His teachings, characterized by compassion, justice, and selflessness,
offer an on point narrative to the moral relativism today. By following the light, Jesus’ example
individuals can discern right from wrong, even amidst complex ethical dilemmas. This is a
reminder that there will be always light that makes your world bright enough to see the beauty of
life and that life is worth living, worth committing, and finding their way to a life of purpose and
meaning.
2. John’s Gospel highlights Jesus’ teaching on truth (John 14:6). How does this concept of truth challenge
the relativism of contemporary society?
- The statement in John 14:6, Jesus declares, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one
comes to the Father except through me.” Directly challenges the relativism of contemporary
society in terms of asserting the truth by its subjective and varies from person to person. Jesus
present himself as the embodying the truthness. This concept of truth as personified in Christ
indicates a moral and spiritual reality, providing a stable foundation for ethical decision-making.
3. The theme of love is central in John’s Gospel (John 13:34-35). How can this command to “love one
another” shape moral character and ethical behavior in personal and professional life?
- As what I have understood on what we had tackled earlier, the command to “love one another”
shape moral character and ethical behavior in personal and professional life is also basically
love your enemies as much you love your enemies. By embodying Christ’s sacrificial love, we can
also have the sense of compassion, empathy, and forgiveness in our own personal
relationships. This actions can influene professional conduct where it promotes integrity,
respect, and fairness in dealing different kind of people in our everyday life.
4. Jesus’ dialogue with Nicodemus (John 3) emphasizes spiritual rebirth. How does the idea of
transformation apply to moral decision-making and personal growth?
- The concept of spiritual rebirth, or being “born from above,” signifies that it Impacts our moral
decision-making and personal growth. Just as the same ash being a newly born tells us the
beginning of a new life, spiritual rebirth initiates a fresh start with a renewed perspective on
morality and ethics. With this, we can always start a new beginning no matter what may the
results come because God will guide you throughout your journey to grow independently, be
responsible, and well aware oneself’s actions that can also influence others.
5. Jesus teaches about loving one’s enemies (Luke 6:27-36). How can this radical love be practice in a
world filled with conflict and division?
- Based on my experience, I will correlate this to the question so in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus
challenges his followers with a teaching “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” When you are having unwanted
thoughts such as doubtness, uncertainties and being too conscious of what other people think
and feel about you is just serve as a reason why you should still keep on going. As seeking
validation to yourself is one of the key factors in guiding you to understand, connect, and
empathize with other people’s doing because they have their side of the story. We learn to
practice listen for those people who became a villain who lost their inside voice just because
they only wanted to be seen, love, and heard by many. Furthermore, loving one’s enemies gives
empathy and understanding, recognizing their shared humanity, forgiveness and reconcilation,
and lasty to always extend kindness and respect for others.
