You must be born from above

Today’s Gospel passage narrates that Nicodemus came to Jesus at night. But why would he come to Jesus at night? Is he afraid that other people might see him and he might be identified with Jesus who, by performing signs, ignites indignation on the part of the authorities? John’s Gospel employs a literary style that uses a word with double meaning. A word with double meaning leads to misunderstanding between characters, commonly between Jesus and another character. The misunderstanding between Jesus and another character serves

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as prelude to Jesus’ further instructions. In today’s pericope, the evangelist uses the Greek word anõthen which may either mean “again” or “from above.” Jesus refers to the latter while Nicodemus understands Jesus’ message in the sense of the former. Jesus further explains to Nicodemus that to be born from above means living a life in the Spirit. We are also called to be born from above that the Holy Spirit, not fear, will reside in our hearts.

Is our life Spirit-driven? Are we free of any fear? Do we want to go to Jesus who can enable us to be born from above?

First Reading. Acts 4:23-31