Daily Readings - Mon Apr 12 2021
John
1Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.2This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him."3Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."4Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?"5Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.6That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.7Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'8The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is 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.