Born Again

 

 John 3: 1-8

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus

3 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. ² He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

³ Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

⁴ “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

⁵ Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. ⁶ Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. ⁷ You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ ⁸ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

"Born again Christian", we've heard this phrase more than once, referring to people who have understood who God is and what their relationship with him as a disciple, a believer, can be.  It usually means a change in lifestyle and a deeper commitment to growth in this relationship. The questions Nicodemus asked might be our own and as we reflect on the Resurrection of Jesus we can move to a deeper appreciation of our invitation, our call to discipleship.  Indeed, we accept and live as people "born again" into a way  of life that puts us at the disposal of God to help us live the teachings of Jesus. As such, the "new me", the born again me can help make Jesus present to our own families and communities. As we move toward Pentecost, let us ask for the grace to be willing to be reborn in Jesus.

Bro. Rene

 
O God, like Nicodemus, we sometimes get confused about what it is you are trying to tell us. We thank you for your patience as you move us into a deeper understanding of your will in our life. Help us to be patient this day with others. Amen.

Rev. Thomas Jones, C.S.C.