"Born From Above"

In the nighttime conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus tell him, "You must be born from above." (Jn 3:7b).  Nicodemus, as do we, struggled to understand this, for he took the verb "born" literally.  In our own day, we frequently hear the phrase, "born again Christian" and are sometimes repulsed by it, as we conjure up in our minds large congregations swinging and swaying with hands erect and huge smiles on faces. We fear that these gestures are fraught with emotion and lack depth of conviction.  That may be true or not true, but at least there is the joy, energy, and enthusiasm  that many Christians lack.
Being "born from above" means taking to heart and integrating the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives and being transformed, as were the apostles from timid, fearful people into dynamic disciples who literally put their lives on the line in standing up for their faith and convictions.  It's a power that builds on our talents and gifts, and directs them to approach others fearlessly and invite them to come follow Jesus.
Pope Francis in his Easter message put it this way: "And the Spirit of the risen Christ drove our fear from the Apostles' hearts and impelled them to leave the Upper Room in order to spread the Gospel.  Let us too have greater courage in witnessing to our faith in the Risen Christ!  We must not be afraid of being Christian and living as Christians!  We must have this courage to go and proclaim the Risen Christ, for he is our peace, he made peace with his love, with his forgiveness, with his Blood and with his mercy."
Come, Holy Spirit, birth me  from above.
Bro. Rene