2ND WEEK OF EASTER
Psalter: Week 2 / (White)
St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, priest & martyr
Ps 2:1-3, 4-7a, 7b-9
Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.
1st Reading: Acts 4:23-31
As soon as Peter and John were set free, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and elders had said to them.
When they heard it, they raised their voices as one, and called upon God, “Sovereign Lord, maker of heaven and earth, of the sea and everything in them, you have put these words in the mouth of David, our father and your servant, through the Holy Spirit: Why did the pagan nations rage and the people conspire in folly? The kings of the earth were aligned; and the princes gathered together against the Lord and against his Messiah.
For indeed, in this very city, Herod, with Pontius Pilate and the pagans, together, with the people of Israel, conspired against your holy servant, Jesus, whom you anointed. Thus, indeed, they brought about whatever your powerful will had decided, from all time, would happen. But now, Lord, see their threats against us; and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness. Stretch out your hand, to heal, and to work signs and wonders, through the name of Jesus, your holy servant.”
When they had prayed, the place where they were gathered together shook; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God boldly.
Gospel: Jn 3:1-8
Among the Pharisees there was a ruler of the Jews named Nicodemus. He came to Jesus by night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you have come from God to teach us, for no one can perform miraculous signs like yours unless God is with him.”
Jesus replied, “Truly, I say to you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again from above.”
Nicodemus said, “How can there be rebirth for a grown man? Who could go back to his mother’s womb and be born again?” Jesus replied, “Truly, I say to you: No one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Because of this, don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again from above.’
The wind blows where it pleases and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. It is like that with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
REFLECTION:
There are many Nicodemus’ among us today. They are cautious and not ready to make a public act of faith. Yet they feel a tug in their heart that makes them also uneasy. They have to satisfy their curiosity. And so even if in the cover of darkness, they attempt to get in touch with the Lord. They bring with them their doubts, their confusion and indecision. They genuinely search for the truth even if they still have their fears. Our challenge as followers of the Lord is how to take care of the Nicodemus’ of our times. Is our faith strong enough to convince them to set aside their fears and embrace the Lord? And so we are invited today to check our faith and see whether it is worth passing on to others who are searching for the truth that could give meaning to their lives.
Daily Reflection
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Biblical Texts are taken from Christian Community Bible, Catholic Pastoral Edition (57th Edition) The New English Translation for the ROMAN MISSAL
With permission from the EPISCOPAL COMMISION ON LITURGY of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines
Readings and Reflections
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