“SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER”
Daily Spiritual Reflections
13th April 2021
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TUESDAY, SECOND WEEK OF EASTER
Reading 1: Acts 4: 32-37 Contains a description of the communal life of the first Christians and the popular favorable reaction to this life.
Gospel: Jn 3: 7-15 this passage is a continuation of the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus and Jesus’ prophecy that he will be “lifted up” like the brazen serpent.
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BORN FROM ABOVE
In today’s first reading, we learn how the early Christians lived - united, with one heart and mind, openly and generously sharing their possessions with one another. In fact, one Christian was so moved by all of this sharing, that he sold a piece of property he owned and brought the money and put it at the feet of the apostles. They lived like the Lord by sacrificing like the Lord, who was rich but became poor for our sake. Their unique testimony helped to bring about the conversion of many. The early Christians had a hard choice to make - either live like the world or live like the Lord. They chose the Lord.
The interaction between Nicodemus and Jesus continues in today’s gospel reading. Jesus tells Nicodemus that there is no logical explanation for “being born from above.” In Ecclesiastes we read: “Just as you do not know how the breath comes to the bones in the mother’s womb, so you do not know the work of God, who makes everything.” (11:5) We may sense it but it is not within our control. “We cannot make it happen. We do not know when it will happen, nor can we control how it will lead us. It is from God and he will do it when he chooses. However, we can pray for the grace to “be born from above.” Naturally, this does not mean that we literally will be born again. Rather, itis that we will be born anew. The new life that we will receive will be a spiritual gift; a gift that will enable us to live like the early Christians, choosing the Lord over the world in all things.
The Easter season is a time of miracles and new life. We can literally see this as we watch the trees and plants around us. They all are coming to life, blossoming and sharing their beauty with us. Today, let us trust that God will gift us with ‘new life’. He knows what is best for us and where he wishes us to go. Let us keep our mind alert for his message, and our hearts attentive to his voice. Beauty and grace will come to us.
Res. Psalm Ps 92: 1-2, 5 The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed.
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