Please read the Scripture passage before the homily.
The Easter season runs util May 28 this year. Easter is a feast that lasts a week of weeks (49 days) plus a fiftieth day. Easter is a unique and most important event, and we show this by celebrating it for such a long time every year, practically one-seventh of the year, just as we celebrate it one-seventh of each week of the year.
The Gospel according to John is the gospel most used I n the Easter celebration. This gospel presents a different picture from the one described in the other three gospel accounts. In John’s account, Jesus is always stands out, is always centerstage. He controls each scene; no one overshadows him. He is in procession to his coronation and glorification, even during his passion and dying.
John uses symbolic language. Some usages give birth to different meanings. Darkness means more than the physical darkness of night, and light means more than daytime. Words mean more than they seem to mean at first hearing; being born again can also mean being born from above. Wind can also mean spirit. The “disciple Jesus loved” seems to refer to the Apostle John, but it could also cover for us as people Jesus loves. John also puts the truth in the questions asked of Jesus, as when Nicodemus asked, “Surely a man cannot enter his mother’s womb to be born again”.
A Pharisee named Nicodemus recognized Jesus a teacher who has come from God. There was nothing antagonistic about him. He came out of respect for Jesus. Like a true teacher, he comes to Jesus at night, like teachers I know who study their classes and correct papers in the evening before bed. After the initial interview with Jesus, he will fade into the background and the episode will turn into a monologue.
We must be born again or born from above. We must be born of water and Spirit. The Spirit, like the wind, will take us on wonderful and exciting adventures. With this, Nicodemus will fade into the background, and Jesus will continue to teach us. Nicodemus will return only when it is time to put Jesus into the tomb.