(Please read the Scripture passage before reading the homily.)
Nicodemus is famous for coming to see Jesus at night. John’s gospel introduces us to him here and he also is present at the crucifixion as “he who came to Jesus by night”.
We also know that when John describes something at a particular time, that that time is significant. He describes Nicodemus as coming at night. Night is the absence of sunlight, a time of darkness, a time useful for deviant or criminal behavior. Night is the time of Satan’s activity.
Night, however, is also the time for the rabbi to study Sacred Scripture, to reflect on the word of God because the word of God is a light to our path.
Why did Nicodemus come to Jesus at night? It certainly was not for criminal activity, nor a time for Satan. It would seem that he came at night so that he could study the word of God. Judging from the conversation, he needed a lot of learning. He did not understand how to be reborn. He did not understand the way of the wind. He did not understand about earthly things and therefore could not understand things about heaven.
So, what do we do with our night times? Do we listen to the news and then go to bed, or work crossword puzzles before going to bed? I sometimes do Sudoku puzzles before going to bed. I should be studying the word of God. That is my goal for tonight. What will you do with your night time?