Today’s Gospel, April 15: “Believers in Him Will Not Be Condemned”

Pope Francis urged believers to contemplate the crucifix and to let God’s light enter their lives. He linked that contemplation to the Gospel dialogue between Jesus and Nicodemus.

Core themes from the homily

The Pope said the crucifix reveals the depth of God’s love. He argued that spiritual insight comes through the Holy Spirit.

He described Christ crucified as both a scandal and the path to true wisdom. The sacrifice shows the Father’s desire to bring his children to eternal life.

Light and darkness

Francis returned to Jesus’ image of light entering the world. He warned that some people prefer darkness because their deeds are evil.

He used a striking image, calling those who cannot live in the light like “human bats.” He invited the faithful to receive the light of Jesus and of the Spirit.

Vatican readings for April 15, 2026

Acts 5:17-26 — Apostles freed and sent back to teach

The reading describes the Sadducees arresting the apostles and placing them in prison. An angel freed the apostles at night and told them to teach in the temple.

When the guards returned, the prisoners were gone. The apostles were later found teaching in the temple, and the high priest convened the Sanhedrin.

John 3:16-21 — God’s love and the choice of light

The Gospel passage presents God’s love shown through the gift of his Son. It teaches that faith opens the way to eternal life rather than condemnation.

Believers in Him Will Not Be Condemned. The text adds that condemnation follows when people choose darkness over the light because of their actions.

A detail of a stained-glass window shows Saint Peter in a German church in Gamla Stan, Stockholm. The image echoes the themes of witness and mission found in the readings.

Filmogaz.com shares these readings and reflections for meditation on April 15, 2026. The texts invite quiet prayer and a renewed openness to God’s light.