Daily Reflection Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter

Our gospel reading today is a continuation of the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. I have always admired Nicodemus. Here is a man—a Pharisee, a ruler of the Jewish people—who is eager to know more about Jesus, the Messiah. He does not want to stir any commotion among his brother Pharisees. His fear leads him to meet Jesus at night. 

In our first reading, Luke relates how the apostles heed God’s calling and preach about Jesus to the people. Their enthusiasm from the Holy Spirit lands them in jail. But the Word of God must be preached, so the apostles are freed by an angel.

Wow! I see a lot of “letting go” in these two readings. Yet, we don’t ponder Scripture only to admire the people. No, God is asking each one of us to look deeply at Nicodemus and the apostles. Nicodemus yearns to learn more about the Messiah, but his emotions are captivated by fear. On the other hand, the apostles have been fired up by the Holy Spirit to spread the good news of Jesus’ saving each of us. As I am pondering both readings today, I look out the window on a sunny day (finally!). The magnolia tree, the forsythia bushes, the daffodils, and so many other plants are blossoming. God’s Easter message to us is one of HOPE. Yes, we received this virtue in Baptism—not to be put in a cabinet with trophies and keepsakes. We received this virtue to give us the inner power to deepen our own love for God; to make hope a contagious experience for those who are lonely, anxious, and depressed. I, too, become discouraged with all the bad news of evil on the local streets, nationally, and internationally. Yet, we are called to care for ourselves and then extend our love and hope to others who need this love and hope. How we accomplish this calling depends on our individual talents and our relationship with our God.

If Nicodemus had not the courage to meet Jesus, we would not have Jesus’ words of hope. If the apostles had not the courage to suffer imprisonment, we may not understand the hope in our own suffering. The liturgical season of Easter and nature’s blossoming in spring are reminders that suffering can bring us new life.

SPRING

The wet earth

is heavy with rain,

drenching

all its womb and

ladening it

with fertility.

Hidden in the darkness

little seeds

sprout and shift,

enlivened by

the dampness,

and begin to push

through the warm earth.

Fragile, brave,

and the only bright thing,

a new young leaf

stirs through the mud

birthing Spring.

--Edwina Gateley