Jn 3:1-8
1There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2He
came to Jesus at 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
are doing unless God is with him.” 3Jesus answered and said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” 4Nicodemus
said to him, “How can a person once grown old be born again? Surely he
cannot reenter his mother’s womb and be born again, can he?” 5Jesus answered, “Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. 6What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of spirit is spirit. 7Do not be amazed that I told you, ‘You must be born from above.’ 8The
wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you
do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with
everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
Reflection:
Being born of water and Spirit.
Nicodemus is a Pharisee, a member of the Sanhedrin, a learned rabbi,
well versed in the Law. That he goes to see Jesus suggests that he has
a high respect for Jesus and is attracted to his teachings. He wants to
know more and desires a better understanding of faith.
Jesus focuses on the reality of baptism
and the saving works of the Spirit. Entrance to God’s kingdom is made
possible through baptism—being born from above and being born of the
Spirit—and through grace as a gift. The Pharisees, instead, believe and
teach that one earns entry into the kingdom through the faithful and
meticulous observance of the Law and traditions.
Jesus speaks of accepting and allowing
the Spirit to transform our life. Let us ask ourselves, do our
experiences hinder us from understanding and answering the prompting of
the Spirit? Does our accumulated knowledge pose an obstacle for the
Spirit to lead us where he wants us to go? Does our stubborn reasoning
block the Spirit from generating new life in us?
Renew your baptismal promises.
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