Water and Spirit
Monday of the Second Week of Easter
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
John 3: 1-8 - There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. He came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you are doing unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot reenter his mother’s womb and be born again, can he?” Jesus answered, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I told you, ‘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.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“…unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
The Church presents to us this Gospel passage about Jesus and Nicodemus more than once during the year. As we read it this time, during Easter, consider why it is that it belongs here in this season. This Gospel event actually happens near the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry on earth, while the Resurrection happens at the very end of it. But it is at the end of Jesus’ ministry that we better understand what He was saying here, earlier, about the Spirit. And that is how it often works with the teachings of Christ. Christ teaches us in many ways: through Scriptures, Church teachings, the wisdom of others, and through life experiences. But often what He’s teaching us doesn’t make sense until later, when His plan unfolds.
God knows what He is doing. We don’t. Like Nicodemus, we have to trust and, sometimes, we have to wait. It is essential, when we don’t understand God’s plan, that we pray. We must pray about our lives particularly in light of the life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ. Nothing will make total sense to us apart from these mysteries. But with them, everything will make sense. Christ is always at the center of every situation. We must remind ourselves of this constantly. In prayer, let’s all consider our biggest current life events—whether they are blessings or difficulties; then let’s consider how they might relate to the life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Finally let’s all tell ourselves very slowly and carefully, “The point of this situation I am going through now, is that through it I can be with Christ.”
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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