You must be born from above

Today’s Gospel passage narrates that Nicodemus came to Jesus at night. But why would he come to Jesus at night? Is he afraid that other people might see him and he might be identified with Jesus who, by performing signs, ignites indignation on the part of the authorities? John’s Gospel employs a literary style that uses a word with double meaning. A word with double meaning leads to misunderstanding between characters, commonly between Jesus and another character. The misunderstanding between Jesus and another character serves as prelude to Jesus’ further instructions. In today’s pericope, the evangelist uses the Greek word anõthen which may either mean “again” or “from above.” Jesus refers to the latter while Nicodemus understands Jesus’ message in the sense of the former. Jesus further explains to Nicodemus that to be born from above means living a life in the Spirit. We are also called to be born from above that the Holy Spirit, not fear, will reside in our hearts.

REFLECTIONS TODAY Today’s Gospel passage narrates that Nicodemus came to Jesus at night. But why would he come to Jesus at night? Is he afraid that other people might see him and he might be identified with Jesus who, by performing signs, ignites indignation on the part of the authorities? John’s Gospel employs a literary style that uses a word with double meaning. A word with double meaning leads to misunderstanding between characters, commonly between Jesus and another character.

The misunderstanding between Jesus and another character serves as prelude to Jesus’ further instructions. In today’s pericope, the evangelist uses the Greek word anõthen which may either mean “again” or “from above.” Jesus refers to the latter while Nicodemus understands Jesus’ message in the sense of the former.

Jesus further explains to Nicodemus that to be born from above means living a life in the Spirit. We are also called to be born from above that the Holy Spirit, not fear, will reside in our hearts. Is our life Spirit-driven? Are we free of any fear? Do we want to go to Jesus who can enable us to be born from above? First Reading • Acts 4:23-31After their release Peter and John went back to their own people and reported what the chief priests and elders had told them.

And when they heard it, they raised their voices to God with one accord and said, “Sovereign Lord, maker of heaven and earth and the sea and all that is in them, you said by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of our father David, your servant: Why did the Gentiles rage and the peoples entertain folly? The kings of the earth took their stand and the princes gathered together against the Lord and against his anointed. Indeed they gathered in this city against your holy servant Jesus whom you anointed, Herod and Pontius Pilate, together with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do what your hand and your will had long ago planned to take place. And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness, as you stretch forth your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.

” As they prayed, the place where they were gathered shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. Responsorial Psalm • Ps 2 “Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.” or “Alleluia.

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