The Holy Gospel according to John 3:1-8
There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
He 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.”
Jesus answered and said to him,
“Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless one is born from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
Nicodemus said to him,
“How can a man once grown old be born again?
Surely he cannot reenter his mother’s womb and be born again, can he?”
Jesus answered,
“Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless one is born of water and Spirit
he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.
What is born of flesh is flesh
and what is born of spirit is spirit.
Do not be amazed that I told you,
‘You must be born from above.’
The 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: To fish rivers or streams effectively, learn to “read the water” by identifying underwater habitats and areas attractive to fish. Also, observe currents and shelter spots to locate where fish are likely to be found. You have to think like a fish.
Today’s scripture reminds me about those days on the river when the wind blows. And the teacher is telling me that He (God) is the water and spirit and it’s up to me to see His signs and accept it. In Hebrew, there is word “Ruah” which is translated to wind or spirit depending on its context. This same spirit is with us throughout our lives, each and every day, every moment and every breadth. All we have to do is acknowledge it and accept the path we are asked to journey on.
Nicodemus allowed the spark of faith within him to grow as He listened to Jesus, struggled with the pressure from his peers, but ultimately openly professed his faith in Christ. And though this hurt his worldly position of honor within the Sanhedrin and among the earthly rulers, it earned Nicodemus an eternal honor in Heaven. Think about the courage he must have had to go against the pressure of his peers by allowing the faith he found in Christ to grow and fill his life with the light of Truth. Seek to imitate this good man and allow yourself to be inspired by his courage so that you, too, will receive the same eternal glory he now enjoys in Heaven.
Deacons Fish Story: Fishing in windy conditions, I struggled to cast where I wanted. Frustrated, I heard a voice urging me to try another spot upstream. Although doubtful, I moved and cast again. My line landed away from my target, but suddenly a large trout struck—FISH ON! After a tough fight, I landed and released him. The voice returned, reminding me it had given good advice.
Sometimes we (I) have to be able to read the signs that God puts right in front of us and all we have to do is just listen and trust in the unknown.
Action of the Day: Stop or Pause for just a minute. Push away from your phone, TV or book and ask this question. Lord, what is it that you want me to do for you? Then listen to His answer. Then ask Him to send the Holy Advocate to accompany you on your journey.
Audio Reflection:
