Jesus said to Nicodemus: "You must be born from above.
John 3:7
Nicodemus was a devout Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin. He would have been highly influential in religion, politics, and wealth. We would see him today as a modern politician, celebrity preacher, and wealthy businessman all in one. In today’s reading, he comes to Jesus in the dark of the night to be alone with Him. Nicodemus recognizes that Jesus’ miracles are proofs of His divine mission and wants so much to learn more from Him, and yet, he struggles with Jesus’ description of spiritual rebirth. Christ explains that one must be “reborn again”… a person must express saving faith to be healed. Nicodemus’ confusion comes in thinking in earthly terms of a person having to physically be born again.
What is this rebirth? Birth is the beginning of life; to be born again, is to begin to live anew. We must have a new nature, new principles, new affections, and new aims. In the rite of baptism for infants and children, we hear these words as we are about to pray the Our Father “Dear brothers and sisters, this child, reborn through baptism, is now called a child of God, for so indeed he (she) is.” This is where it begins.
What is the day of your baptism and do you celebrate it like your birthday and if not, why not?
Lord, increase my faith so that I may see you more clearly.
Today’s Reflection is by:
Deacon Edmond Anctil
Did you know...
Deacon Ed was ordained to the permanent diaconate by Bishop Lynch on June 28, 1997, and is currently serving at Mary Help of Christians Parish. He is the diocesan assistant chaplain to Catholic Scouting. He is a retired Hillsborough County deputy sheriff after serving 29 years. He is married to his wife, Lorraine, for over 40 years and has two sons, 5 grandchildren, and one new great-granddaughter.
