Word to the Wise
Monday, April 17, 2023 - 2nd Week of Easter - Mon
[Acts 4:23-31 and John 3:1-8]"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 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.
I have often commented in this space on the dramatic quality of the Gospel According to John. Each "encounter" with Jesus is an opportunity to enter into the event and follow the dialogue which reveals some of the meaning of Jesus' identity and mission. The encounter with Nicodemus, coming early in this gospel, introduces us to many of the ways the evangelist preaches to us through the way he portrays Jesus. The "Amen, amen, I say to you...." statements are important declarations. The misunderstanding of the listener (i.e. Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman, etc.) leads to further revelation.
At the center of this gospel is the requirement that faith means believing in Jesus as the one whom God has sent. Coming to faith is the equivalent of being born again. Scripture scholars warn against identifying the language of this passage with sacramental baptismal practice. What is important is being born through faith in Jesus to eternal life. Water and spirit are partners in meaning. [cf. the encounter with the Samaritan woman - John 4:7-15].
The dialogue with Nicodemus will continue tomorrow. Nicodemus comes from darkness (unbelief) to Jesus (light) and leaves, perhaps, in twilight that becomes light - 7:50-52 and then 19:38-42. We will see more of that light tomorrow. AMEN