In our first reading today we see manifested the ideal of divestiture and renunciation – that is required for those who wish to follow Jesus – and really get to know him and his power in their lives.
It must be remembered though that the surrender of goods and the laying of treasure at the feet of the apostles was voluntary and related to need. It was in no way mandatory or systematic. It was not a requirement for membership in the early Christian community.
It must also be remembered that what is being stressed at this time was the power of the Holy Spirit working through the apostles to preach and make present the Risen Christ!
We, today, are invited to respond to the needs of the Church by supplying time, talent and treasure for the good of the operation of the community. This need always be done in a guilt-free way – by voluntary, free-will, from-the-heart donations. Participation should in no way be a measure of inclusion in the community! The Holy Spirit is still at work today – with power – through the successors of the apostles and their helpers – to preach and make present the Risen Christ! This is still the most important thing there is! And any way that we can help them, if only by constant and heartfelt prayer, is certainly most gratefully welcome and appreciated.
In the gospel passage we see the continuation of Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, a well-known Pharisee, who came to Jesus at night, to learn more about him! Yesterday Jesus told him that he must be "born again" this time of "water and spirit." Nicodemus didn't quite grasp what Jesus was saying. Today Jesus continues his explanation:
Jesus says that becoming flesh is one thing (becoming a creature of God, among other creatures); but, becoming a child of God is quite another thing. Flesh can beget flesh; but only spirit can beget spirit.
And this Spirit is accessed, Jesus tells Nicodemus, by faith and trust in himself – who is the only true, genuine and reliable source of knowledge about the heavenly realm. He is the one who has come down from heaven.
The people of Israel are invited, Jesus intimates to Nicodemus, to turn toward him who is the New Torah, toward God as Savior! To turn toward and look up to the One who was lifted up from the earth for their redemption!
May we this day – thank God for the access that he has given us to the Father - so that we can count ourselves as his beloved children – begotten by the Holy Spirit in Holy Baptism and Confirmation; and may we keep turning constantly toward Jesus, Torah; Jesus, Savior; Jesus, Redeemer - as we look up at him who was crucified and pierced for our offenses!
The Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life!
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