Born From Above
Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
John 3:7-15 - Jesus said to Nicodemus: “You must be born from above.” The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus answered and said to him, ‘How can this happen?” Jesus answered and said to him, “You are the teacher of Israel and you do not understand this? 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? No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“You must be born from above.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus, a Pharisee and “a ruler of the Jews” who comes to Him in secret in the night. Jesus is speaking to Him about life in the Spirit, in the Holy Spirit. “You must be born from above” and “so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” The Easter Season is a great season to reflect on such a passage, especially in light of the readings we have heard in the last few days. When Jesus appears to the apostles, for instance, He breathes on them and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
By Jesus’ Death and Resurrection, He restores to mankind the life of the Holy Spirit in us. What He gives to the apostles, He gives to us. Jesus’ Resurrection to new life is not only His Resurrection from the dead; it is also our resurrection from the dead—from not having the Holy Spirit, to having the Holy Spirit. This is our great, lasting gift: the Holy Spirit, who is given to us at Baptism. The Sacraments are the keys to obtaining God’s Divine Life, His New Life, His Holy Spirit.
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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