Dear readers, today you are reading this reflection on the daily readings for Mass. You are seeking something. Many people just read the daily readings for Mass, spend a few moments in prayer or reflection, and then go about the rest of their day. But you are here, seeking to go deeper than this, and reflect more seriously on the readings for Mass today.
Why? What are you seeking? What do you hope to gain by listening to what other people think about the scriptures today? Perhaps it is because you see part of yourself reflected in these words in sacred scripture. The readings today are filled to the brim with words, images, and emotions that we can all relate to. We can see part of ourselves in the people and stories in the bible, and today’s scriptures are particularly rich, fertile ground for reflection.
Just the very act of coming here today is like Nicodemus in the Gospel reading. The Holy Spirit drew you here, away from everything else that you could be doing instead of reading this reflection. Nicodemus also stepped away from everything else that was going on in his life, and went to see Jesus. Something drew him, perhaps like a moth to a flame. We are instinctively drawn to the truth, drawn to love and light, a better understanding of God, and of ourselves as well. Warmth, goodness and acceptance draws us near. We all crave these things. It was no different with Nicodemus. Christ’s gentleness, his compassion, genuineness, the truth in the words that he spoke, and a sense of Christ’s holiness, is what drew Nicodemus to the Lord. Love draws us and changes us, with a noble Spirit, into a better person. No one forces us to become better people, to be kinder, more compassionate, more inclusive and accepting of others. No one forces us to turn from our sins and selfishness, to become more unselfish and able to love others just as much as we love ourselves. Love alone changes us. Acceptance changes us. Others who do not judge us, but love us unconditionally, reflect the very essence of Jesus Christ. We all want to be treated this way. Why do we find it so difficult to treat others this way too?
Perhaps we do not really understand love. If this is the case, we shouldn’t be too hard on ourselves, because Nicodemus also did not understand Christ’s words and he was the teacher of all of Israel. Love isn’t something that can be taught. It is caught. No one can see love, hold it in their hands, or prove that it physically exists, and yet – it’s real. Atheists have such a hard time believing that God is real because they can not physically detect Him with their senses, but – they believe that love is real. How silly, that God is love, but they do not recognize Him in their midst.
Jesus’s words in today’s gospel seems to apply especially to the atheists of our time:
“Amen, amen, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony. If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?”
We are not atheists though. We share the common belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that he died on the cross for our sins, and rose from the dead, so that we might have eternal life. Whatever our differences are, is really beside the point. We will one day live together in heaven as the children of God. No one will care about our “differences” then. In fact, our differences will no doubt be celebrated there. No two flowers are alike, and no two human beings are either. We are each precious and beautiful, and a treasure to God the Father and Jesus Christ, and it doesn’t matter what we look like, how young or old, rich or poor, white or black or brown or what-ever-color we are. We are immensely loved by God, and walk as brothers and sisters of Christ.
Our lives are so much shorter than we realize as we are traveling through our days. It seems like our life will go on forever, but it won’t, at least here on earth. You’ve heard the expression that we are pilgrims on a journey, and so we are. Life is to be lived, and enjoyed, and shared with those around us. Family, friends, our parishioners, neighbors, coworkers and even the little encounters with strangers we have every day.
The first reading for Mass today began with these words:
“The community of believers was of one heart and mind …”
And, there is nothing more beautiful to experience than this oneness of heart and mind. In our marriages, our families, in our friendships and in the faith community.
So, I think that you have come here today, seeking this connection with others who feel the same way that you do. It may be through the internet, but we are still connected to one another through the Holy Spirit. You are part of us, and we are part of you, as the Body of Christ. No one journeys through this life alone, no matter where you happen to live. We are here journeying with you. By your visit today, we also know that you too, are journeying with us. You also love the Lord Jesus Christ and his Holy Church, and seek the friendship and companionship of your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Let’s strive to keep this thought alive in our hearts today. That we do not journey alone. We carry Jesus with us, close to our hearts, wherever we go today. Our family and friends are united with us in the Spirit, and so are our brothers and sisters in Christ.
