Daily Reflection – 4/28/2025
Sacred Scripture
Now 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, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a person 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, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. 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.”( John 3:1-8)
Reflection
The concept of being born anew, at times, can be misunderstood.
The concept of “being born again” is given to all of us through our baptism. It is a continual journey and one which is lived day after day. In fact, it is the root of the Christian faith.
Scripture is clear that we must receive a new birth in Christ. The old self must die and the new self must be reborn. This is what it means to become a Christian. We take on a new life in Christ.
When we are baptized, we enter into the waters and die with Christ. As we rise from the waters, we are reborn in Him. This means that baptism does something truly amazing in us. Some learn that through living a life centered on Christ. While others experience it through an event or a revival of the dormant gift that is within them.
What is so powerful is not how it happens but rather what happens.
This new birth Jesus speaks of is a spiritual birth to a new life and an experiential relationship with God as his sons and daughters. Recognizing and accepting that we are God’s sons and daughters puts our life on a totally different trajectory.
We enter a society in which God is honored and obeyed. We take ownership of a life which comes from God himself, and calls us to a never-ending life of love, peace, joy. A life where we recognize that sin will separate us from God. A life where we are free from the fear of death and a life that brings us to God’s kingdom.
It is that mysterious presence of God which moves us to acts of generosity and kindness when we could just as easily walk away. That presence helps us forgive a long-standing hurt even though the wound still stings. His presence gives you courage to share our faith with a neighbor despite an inner reluctance.
Every time you follow these promptings, you become a little more mysterious to the people around you—and a little more attractive. That’s because with each act of kindness or faithfulness, you become more like Jesus, the most mysterious and attractive person who ever lived.
It is that conversion which cannot be a one-time event. It is an ongoing, never-ending dynamic process, one that can easily be interrupted and even destroyed. It is the Holy Spirit who inspires that process of conversion and gives it new inspiration and vitality. It is the Holy Spirit finally who changes us from mere professed followers of Christ into mature, enthusiastic adults in the faith. It is this conversion that Jesus is talking about in the gospel. That conversion is the most powerful event in our lives.
Praise the Lord for that gift, live that gift and know what it is to truly be a follower of Jesus Christ.
Prayer of The Day
“Lord Jesus Christ, you offer us a new birth in the Holy Spirit. Renew in me the gift of faith and new life in your Holy Spirit. Help me to draw near to you and to believe in your life-giving word. May your kingdom come and may your will be done in my life today, tomorrow, and always.”
Daily Note
It is essential for a person to be baptized and to live out that faith in order to be saved. This means that we must study, understand and live out our faith and develop our own spiritual lives. We, as baptized people, have an obligation to proclaim the Risen Lord as Peter and John did.
((Today, we are embarking on another chapter in these reflections. As people of faith, we know that we not only support each other but often grow as we share.
We suggest that if you have a thought or question about this reflection that you post it as a comment. We will always answer any questions as well)).
