First Reading: Acts 5:17-26; Psalm: 34. R. v. 7a; Gospel: Jn 3:16-21

NICODEMUS’ TIME

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

The gospel reading of today is the continuation of the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. Nicodemus was an unbiased Pharisee who sought to know the truth. He knew there was something different and true about Jesus and wanted to know more. This shows that not all Pharisees were against the gospel of Christ. This conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus took place at night. Nicodemus sat through the night listening to Jesus while Jesus gradually led him into deeper mysteries.

Jesus said to Nicodemus that the reason he came into the world was to save the world. Salvation therefore hinges on the acceptance of the gospel of Jesus Christ. For the reason many failed to accept the gospel of Christ was because men loved darkness rather than light for their deeds were evil. But Nicodemus was different from the men of the world because he heard the gospel and accepted the gospel. He even sought to know more as he sat with Jesus who enlightened his heart.

Nicodemus is an example to all those who seek salvation. And salvation is accepting the gospel of Jesus Christ that calls us to love and to offer ourselves in love in service to one another just as Christ did. Just like Nicodemus, every believer of the gospel should seek to know more about the faith we have come to accept. We should have that desire to listen, to hear more and to understand the deeper realities of the faith. If we create time to sit with Jesus as we pray with the scriptures, Jesus will enlighten our minds and increase our love for him. But first of all, we have to create that Nicodemus’ time.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, increase our desire to know and love you more. Amen.