Daily Readings - Mon Apr 12 2021
John
1Now there was a man among the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews2He went to Jesus at night, and he said to him: "Rabbi, we know that you have arrived as a teacher from God. For no one would be able to accomplish these signs, which you accomplish, unless God were with him.3Jesus responded and said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one has been reborn anew, he is not able to see the kingdom of God.4Nicodemus said to him: "How could a man be born when he is old? Surely, he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be reborn?5Jesus responded: "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one has been reborn by water and the Holy Spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God6What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit7You should not be amazed that I said to you: You must be born anew8The Spirit inspires where he wills. And you hear his voice, but you do not know where he comes from, or where he is going. So it is with all who are born of the Spirit.
Sermon
In today's Gospel, we encounter a significant conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee. Nicodemus approaches Jesus under the cover of night, acknowledging Him as a teacher sent by God, evidenced by the miraculous signs He performed. Jesus responds by introducing the concept of being "born anew" as a necessity to enter the kingdom of God. Nicodemus, perplexed by the literal interpretation of rebirth, prompts Jesus to clarify that this rebirth is not physical but spiritual, achieved through water and the Holy Spirit. Jesus illustrates the Spirit's movement as mysterious and beyond human control, much like the wind.
The context of this passage is crucial. Nicodemus, as a Pharisee, represents the Jewish religious leadership, which was expecting a Messiah to restore Israel. His nocturnal visit suggests a mix of curiosity and caution, perhaps fearing judgment from his peers. Jesus' response shifts the focus from political or nationalistic expectations to a deeply personal and spiritual transformation. This exchange highlights the central Christian doctrine of spiritual rebirth, distinguishing it from physical existence.
In our daily lives, this teaching invites us to seek spiritual renewal. Just as Nicodemus needed to look beyond the physical, we too must embrace the Holy Spirit's transformative power. This spiritual rebirth is not a one-time event but a continuous process of growth and surrender to God's will. It encourages us to trust in His plan, even when it seems mysterious or beyond our understanding. By living according to the Spirit, we experience a profound transformation, enabling us to love, forgive, and serve others as Christ did. Let us, therefore, open our hearts to the Spirit's guidance, embracing the new life offered through faith in Jesus Christ.