Homily for Monday of the 2nd Week of Easter

Many different kinds of people meet with Jesus in the progression of John’s gospel. In today’s passage, Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night. He was a Pharisee, a member of that group who is always hostile to Jesus. Yet, here was a Pharisee who stood apart from his peers. He was fascinated by Jesus, and he allowed himself to be drawn to Jesus, even though it meant going against his peers. His first approach to Jesus was cautious, coming to Jesus in the darkness of the night. His last appearance in John’s gospel is much less cautious; along with Joseph of Arimathea, he ensures that Jesus is given a dignified burial.

Nicodemus journeyed closer to Jesus in the progression of John’s gospel. His story encourages us to make growth in our own relationship with Jesus, even when that means going against our culture.

Even if our relationship with the Lord seems cautious at times, Nicodemus’ story encourages us to believe that it can become less so. Jesus’ words to Nicodemus in today’s gospel remind us, however, that our growing towards the Lord is not just our own doing; it is also the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Jesus proclaims that we need to be born of the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God.

As a sailboat needs the wind, so we need the Holy Spirit at our back if we are to make our way towards the Lord. That Spirit is available to us all. The season of Easter is a good time once again to invite the Spirit into our lives.

Just a reminder that St. Thomas has a daily Mass online that posts Monday through Saturday at 8 AM and our LORD’s day Masses post at 4 PM on Saturday and 8 AM on Sunday. The most recent Mass is always available to accommodate your schedule or time preference. Links to the Mass may be found on our website stthomaswestspringfield.org or on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/stthomas01089