Jesus said to Nicodemus: “‘You must be born from above.’
The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes,
but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes;
so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
(John 3:7-8)
The distinction between earthly and heavenly things calls for a higher perspective on life and faith, a challenge of comprehending spiritual truths with divine enlightenment. Jesus emphasizes the need to be “born again” or “born from above,” which signifies a spiritual transformation that is essential to enter the kingdom of God. The metaphor of the wind illustrates the mysterious yet evident work of the Holy Spirit in the process of spiritual rebirth. Just as the Israelites were saved by looking at the serpent, salvation comes through faith in Jesus. The underscores God’s love for humanity, demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus, which is the basis for our salvation. Let us seek a deeper relationship with God through the Holy Spirit, to embrace faith in Jesus for salvation, and to live with an eternal perspective.
7 Jesus said to Nicodemus: “‘You must be born from above.’ 8 The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus answered and said to him, “How can this happen?” 10 Jesus answered and said to him, “You are the teacher of Israel and you do not understand this? 11 Amen, amen, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony. 12 If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” (John 3:7-15)
Beyond the veil of earthly sight lies a realm of divine light. A call to rise, to faith ascend, in Christ alone, our souls depend. "Born anew," the Savior said, not of flesh, but Spirit-led. Like the wind, unseen, yet clear, His work within us, ever near. Look to the cross, where mercy flows, from Jesus' sacrifice, it arose. As serpents raised in deserts past, our gaze on Him, our lot is cast. God's love, profound, for us displayed, on Calvary's hill, our debt He paid. In this great act, our hope is found, by faith in Him, we're heaven-bound. So let us seek, with hearts sincere, a deeper walk with God so near. Embrace the faith, His word our guide, with eternal eyes, in Him abide.
Lord Jesus, who bridged the gap 'twixt heaven and earth, in Your light, we seek a new birth. The earthly fades, the heavenly calls, in Your truth, the spirit enthralls. Born from above, transformed by grace, in Your Spirit, we find our place. Like the wind, You move unseen, yet Your presence fills where we've been. Upon the cross, You were raised, in that act, our faith is gazed. As Moses lifted up the serpent to view, so in You, all things are made new. Your love for us, so deep, so wide, through Your sacrifice, You've provided. Help us to seek, with hearts open wide, a deeper relationship with You as our guide. May we embrace faith in You for our salvation, and live with an eternal perspective, a holy vocation. In Your name, we pray, Amen.
Unity and generosity highlights the ideal of communal living and the practice of selflessness, setting an example for future generations of Christians. United prayer is a powerful force showing the strength of communal supplication. Recognizing God’s sovereignty and praying with conviction aligns believers with divine authority and purpose. Generosity are examples of putting faith into action and demonstrating the impact of living out one’s beliefs. The selfless sharing of resources exemplifies love as a fundamental Christian value. Let us live out our faith with conviction, unity, and love, by spending time with Jesus daily through prayer, studying His word, and living according to His teachings as it transforms us to reflect Christ to others.
32 The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 With great power the Apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. 34 There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, 35 and put them at the feet of the Apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need. 36 Thus Joseph, also named by the Apostles Barnabas (which is translated “son of encouragement”), a Levite, a Cypriot by birth, 37 sold a piece of property that he owned, then brought the money and put it at the feet of the Apostles. (Acts 4:32-37)
In unity's embrace, the faithful throng, hearts entwined in a celestial song. Generosity blooms, a divine seed, in communal living, we find our creed. Selflessness, a beacon for days ahead, a path where the saints have nobly tread. Prayers ascend, a united plea, strength in one voice, in supplication, we're free. Sovereign Lord, Your decree we seek, in Your purpose, our spirits speak. Faith in action, our hands extend, to live our beliefs, to love, to mend. Sharing freely, what's mine is thine, love's true essence, in this, we shine. Daily with Jesus, we walk in light, His word our guide, His teachings our might. Transformed to reflect the Christ within, conviction, unity, love — let our journey begin.
Heavenly Father, in the spirit of the early church, we come together, united in Your love, bound by ties none can sever. With hearts of generosity, we seek to live, embracing communal living, eager to give. May selflessness be our guide, our daily bread, setting an example for generations ahead. In united prayer, we find our collective voice, showing the world the strength of communal choice. Lord, we recognize Your sovereignty, Your divine plan, praying with conviction, in Your purpose, we stand. Our generosity, a testament to faith in motion, living out our beliefs with heartfelt devotion. As we share our resources, without measure or end, we exemplify love, on which all virtues depend. Help us live our faith with conviction and grace, in unity and love, reflecting Your face. By spending time with Jesus, in prayer and Your Word, may our lives transform, His teachings heard. In all that we do, let Christ be our mirror, our actions and thoughts, to His example, draw nearer. Amen.
The LORD reigns, no matter what happens, God is in control. We can trust in the stability of God’s order. The world is established so that it cannot be moved, which speaks to the reliability and steadfastness of God’s creation. We can depend on God’s word and His promises. God’s statutes and laws are very sure, reliable, and permanent. Even when life seems chaotic, like the roaring of the seas, we can find assurance in the unassailable might of God’s reign and the enduring nature of His laws. Let us recognize God’s reign, respond to Him with reverence, trust in the stability He provides, rely on His word, pursue holiness, and find assurance in His eternal sovereignty.
1 The Lord is king, in splendor robed; robed is the Lord and girt about with strength. And he has made the world firm, not to be moved. 2 Your throne stands firm from of old; from everlasting you are, O Lord. 5 Your decrees are worthy of trust indeed: holiness befits your house, O Lord, for length of days. (Psalm 93:1, 1-2, 5)
The LORD reigns, His majesty unfurled, above the chaos, He orders the world. Unmoved, the earth stands firm, His decree, in God's steadfastness, we find constancy. His word, a promise, forever endures, in His laws, our hope securely assures. Though seas may roar with tumultuous might, in His eternal reign, we find respite. Let reverence be our heartfelt response, to His sovereignty, our souls correspond. In the stability He provides, we trust, His word, our foundation, forever just. Pursue we now holiness, pure and true, in His sovereign rule, our lives we renew. Assured by the power of His command, we rest in the grace of His mighty hand.
Sovereign Lord, who reigns with majesty, in Your control, we find our certainty. The world You've made stands firm, unmoved by strife, in the order You provide, we trust our life. Your promises, like anchors, hold us fast, on Your steadfast word, our hopes are cast. Your laws and statutes, sure, guide us each day, reliable and true, they light our way. When chaos roars like seas that swell and rise, we look to You, Your might we recognize. In the assurance of Your sovereign hand, we find our peace, on Your solid rock we stand. Teach us to respond with reverence due, to trust in You, our faith ever renew. Help us pursue holiness in Your sight, and in Your eternal sovereignty, delight. Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
II: The Book of Signs
NICODEMUS
John 3:1-21
First Reading
II: The Mission in Jerusalem
LIFE IN THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
Acts 4:32-37
Responsorial Psalm
Fourth Book of Psalms 90-106
GOD IS A MIGHTY KING
Psalm 93:1-5
