Homily for Monday of the 2nd Week of Easter

Many different kinds of people encounter Jesus throughout the progression of John’s Gospel. In today’s passage, Nicodemus, a Pharisee, part of a group often hostile to Jesus, stands apart from his peers; he is captivated by Jesus and chooses to approach Him, even though this decision puts him at odds with those around him. His initial approach is cautious, coming to Jesus under the cover of darkness. Yet, by the end of John’s Gospel, he is much less timid; alongside Joseph of Arimathea, he ensures that Jesus receives a dignified burial.

Nicodemus’ journey towards Jesus throughout the Gospel encourages us to seek growth in our relationships with Him, even when doing so means going against societal norms. Even if our relationship with the Lord sometimes feels tentative, Nicodemus’ experience reminds us that it can evolve into something bolder. Jesus’s words to Nicodemus in today’s Gospel underscore that our progress toward the Lord is not solely our own effort but also the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Jesus teaches that to enter the Kingdom of God, we must be born of the Spirit.

Just as a sailboat relies on the wind, we, too, need the Holy Spirit guiding us as we journey towards the Lord. This Spirit is available to everyone. The Easter season is a perfect time to invite the Holy Spirit into our lives once again.