Daily Catholic Mass Readings for April 12, 2021
Psalm 2
1Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?2The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,3Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.4He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.5Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.6Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.7I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.8Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.9Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.10Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.11Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.12Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
Gospel: John 3.1-8
1There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:2The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.4Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.7Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.8The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that 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.