Thursday of the Second Week of Easter
On Monday and Tuesday of this week, we heard from the gospel of St. John Jesus’ discussion with Nicodemus the Pharisee about the necessity of being “born from above.” Today’s passage continues to explore that message: “The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things” (Jn 3:31). Where are we in that spectrum? Are our hearts and our lives focused on what is on earth or on what is above? Are we like the Pharisees—seeking the honor and respect of others, performing good works mainly to be seen, centering our lives on the outer trappings of religious observance rather than on a heart that is pure and compassionate? How do we achieve this status of being “born from above”?
The simple fact is that it is not something we accomplish, earn or bring about on our own. It is God who brings this about in our lives. Jesus is the one who “comes from above,” and it is through him that we have access to the Father. He has communication with the Father, and it is through Him that we are raised from this earth to the heavenly realm. “For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God…The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him.” (Jn 3:34-35). Fr. Jacques Philippe writes: “The main aim of the personal revelation of God, the essential fruit of prayer, is to know him as Father. Through Christ, in the light of the Holy Spirit, God reveals himself as Father” (Thirsting for Prayer). It is through prayer that we gradually come to know the Father through Christ. And it is in coming to know the Father that our lives are transformed, that we become more like Him. We begin to act as He acts, to view the world as He views it, and to love as He loves. It is in this way that we are gradually—little by little—“born from above.” The ultimate transformation of our lives takes place in our final departure from this world: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life…” (Jn 3:36).
Reflection by Br. Michael Marcotte, OSB
Posted in Article for Easter, Daily Reflections