1st Reading: Acts 5:27-33; Psalm: 34. R. v. 7a; Gospel: Jn 3:31-36

THE BURNING FIRE OF GOD’S WORD

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

There was something about Jesus that really overwhelmed Nicodemus. Something he could not really figure out but felt it burning strongly inside of him. It was this curiosity that attracted him to Jesus as he listened attentively to him in the late hours of the night. Jesus spoke to him of the radical contrast between the heavenly and earthly things, and these words sounded so deep to him because the inspiration behind them was sourced from heaven. It never sounded like any earthly teaching or knowledge. The burning fire of the words of Jesus was so strong in this man who stood out different from his fellow Pharisees.

This experience of Nicodemus left no doubt in him that Jesus was from above and was above all. Jesus promised him that eternal life awaited those who believed in him. This eternal life preached by Jesus was that long thirst in Nicodemus that he could not fathom but really desired. Jesus quenched that thirst by teaching him the things of heaven. This same teaching of salvation was propagated by the apostles in their post Pentecost evangelisation exercise which was why many came to faith on hearing them.

The desire for the heavenly heritage burns strongly in each one of us. It is a life we all ardently desire deep within us. This is proven in what we occasionally feel whenever the Word of God is preached to us especially at Mass. There is this fire burning inside of us to really live out this divine teachings for the sake of the kingdom. Many of us have embraced repentance through this experience but some are still struggling. Just like Nicodemus, let us learn to spend time with Jesus in the scriptures. The more we do this, the more our hunger to do God’s will increase.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, may our hunger for the heavenly life be sustained as we listen to you. Amen.