This is a reflection on the Mass readings of the day.
The disciples in today’s first reading were born from above, born of the Spirit.
Jesus teaches this rebirth in today’s gospel, and Nicodemus does not understand it. He is open to Jesus and wants to learn from Him, but he cannot quite reach beyond his own categories and his own limited understanding, to Jesus’ true meaning.
It is understandable. The disciples themselves did not catch the drift of rebirth in the Spirit until it was gifted to them, nearly imposed upon them one might say, from on high at Pentecost, after Jesus’ Resurrection.
What, then, was the difference between the disciples, who received the Holy Spirit, and the honest-hearted Nicodemus, who (as far as we know) did not? While Nicodemus went back to what he knew, the context of the Sanhedrin and the Old Law, the disciples launched out and followed Jesus, despite their imperfections, confusion, and ongoing fear.
This “reckless” following of Jesus was what “won” for them the gift of the Holy Spirit, which raised them above all their fears and limitations, allowing them to fulfill the fullness of their destiny and boldly proclaim the Gospel.
As we contemplate the disciples, Nicodemus, and the reality of the transformation that Jesus brought with the Resurrection and Pentecost, on the one hand, we must not be too hard on ourselves. Like the disciples when Jesus called them and as they followed Him, we are riddled with blind spots, imperfections, and small-mindedness. He does not for that reason push us away, or become frustrated or impatient with us.
On the other hand, though, let’s take the path of the disciples, not that of Nicodemus. Let’s go all in with Him, follow Him with patience and without reserve, and beg Him for the Holy Spirit. He will not be slow to answer our request.
Ideas for conversation with the Lord: Tell Jesus that you are all His, without conditions or attachments. Ask Him to send you His Holy Spirit in abundance, to complete the good work He has begun in you.
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