John 3:1-17
1 Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” 5
Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. 6 What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ 8 The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?”
10 Jesus answered him, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? 11 “Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. 17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
A Light in the Darkness
This Sunday, we are invited to follow Nicodemus, who heard Jesus or heard about Him. At all costs, but as a precaution, Nicodemus decides to meet Him after night fall. He wants to express his admiration for the "great signs" Jesus performs, John 3:2.
Jesus knows why this man comes at night, but He is willing to go deeper - beyond Nicodemus' fear and admiration.
Jesus invites him to think about his own salvation, opening wide the horizons of God's covenant with all humans. This covenant comes from above and recreates new life, a life granted through water and the Spirit. "What is born from the flesh is flesh, and what is born from the Spirit is spirit" John 3:6
Jesus invites his guest, who seems puzzled, to think about and receive this granted grace for free in order to enter the Kingdom, God's Kingdom.
Look how Jesus encourages this sincere guest by reminding him that he is a teacher who is supposed to use his skills to think deeper and live better.
Could this Gospel encourage us to have our turn meeting with Jesus, if not during the daylight, during the night - if we have fears, whether real or imagined?
It is evident that Jesus has unlimited hours of reception. He has open doors day and night. He’s ready to listen, dialogue and advise.
In light of the Pentecost descent of the Holy Spirit that we just celebrated, we are invited to renew our trust in Jesus. Call on Him with faith. Ask for His loving care to bless our successes, help us overcome our fears and weaknesses, and heal our disappointments.
Feel free to think about meeting Jesus at any time and for a deep consultation face to face with mutual love and respect.
We have received the Holy Spirit in our Baptism. Ask Him to inspire our thoughts and deeds and lead our paths to Jesus’ Kingdom. May the presence of the Holy Spirit within us renew our faith, hope and charity!