MONDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTER APRIL 12, 2021

MASS READINGS:

A reading from 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

“Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God".

Pentecost is 50 days from Easter Sunday. It is the day we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit on His disciples. The Spirit was described then as "tongues of fire".

Before His death, Jesus instructed Nicodemus about a new life, transformation, baptism of water and the Holy Spirit. To be able to live in God's Kingdom Nicodemus had to be reborn of the Holy Spirit. But where could he find the Spirit?

Baptism is an integral part of the Paschal vigil. The immersion into water is chaotic for the person. It symbolizes death . The baptized emerges from the water with a new life. Our sins ( Original sin, selfishness, lying, cheating, judging, stealing, self centeredness or lack of love for others, etc) are submerged in the water and the Holy Spirit breaths into us a new life. He purifies us, cleans us, guides us, encourages us and helps us discern.

But can we see Him? Can we feel Him? Are we aware when the Holy Spirit is working in us? Our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit gives us gifts, stirs up inspirations, and His love grows in our hearts.

Our new life involves two things--one we can see, the water, and one we cannot see, the Holy Spirit.

Let us allow the Holy Spirit to be the "soul's most welcome guest" to make us like the Son.

God Bless You