"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."
At the funeral, then-senator Joe Biden spoke of his friendship and evening conversations with his political opponent John McCain; and of the warnings both were given by their political allies. Their partisan colleagues frowned upon their meetings. No good could come of it. The future president hoped that the funeral and his testimony, laced with affection, emotion, and humor, might ease the tension between the parties and permit the Congress to function again. But, with Mr. Trump's conspicuous absence at the funeral, his pleas fell on deaf ears.
If Nicodemus's allies in the Sanhedrin knew of his midnight visits with the Lord they also urged him not to consort with the enemy. The days of dialogue were disappearing as the critical hour of the Lord's crucifixion approached. Jesus would present many arguments and impeccable credentials, as Saint John reports, but their eyes were darkened and their minds were closed. They could not greet their Messiah.
"Amen, amen, I say to you,unless one is born from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God."
John's baptism was no more than a forgiveness of sins. It was not a rebirth to new life, nor into a new assembly of God's people, nor an incorporation into the Body of Christ. It wasn't even a new way of thinking or acting. John's penitents could return to their homes, villages, and synagogues and resume their old way of life. They did not have to stay with or follow him, eat locusts and honey, or wear animal skins.
"Rebirth?" Nicodemus wondered, "What is that?"
Easter 2023 was nine days ago. What happened? Did anything change in our world, in our families, in my heart?
Readers of this homily-blog have no doubt taken up the following of Christ. Some of their decisions to follow the Lord were every bit as difficult as birth. Some might have abandoned family, career, and deadly habits to become disciples. All decided to pay more attention to the Gospel than to the noisy, jealous, demanding world around them.
Our conversion to the Lord, for most of us, is a daily consideration of what rebirth means, and a readiness to root out old, alien attitudes and habits that have no place in this communion. Some hysterically funny jokes no longer amuse; many entertainments have gone sour. We frankly don't need very much entertainment.
We look for opportunities to be reconciled with enemies and for better ways to practice this evangelical way of life. As witnesses we see the hand of God everywhere; as prophets we suspect mischief where others see opportunity; as disciples we live peacefully in a troubled world.
Like Nicodemus we don't suppose it is, or should be, easy to be disciples of Christ. It will always take courage to practice our religion. Our faith, like Joe Biden's friendship with John McCain, will always be suspect.
But we can choose no other way of life. Reborn through Baptism into a rebirth of wonder, we must follow the Lord.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.