Believe and Surrender

April 9, Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter
Daily Readings: Acts 4:32-37; John 3:7b-15

The community of believers gathered as one family, where they shared everything, including their possessions. They sold their properties and put everything into common use in the community. They get their share justly and according to their needs.

In the gospel today, Jesus challenges Nicodemus to be born again and to be born of the Spirit. He emphasizes that, though he is knowledgeable about Israel, he doesn't fully understand what the work of God is. Jesus further highlights “that whosoever believes in him may not perish, but may have life everlasting.”

In today’s world, there are only a few who are philanthropists. A philanthropist is a person who donates time, money, experience, skills, or talent to help create a better world. Anyone can be a philanthropist, regardless of their status in life. A perfect example is during the “Pandemic” a few years ago. Many philanthropists shared their blessings with others, especially the least fortunate and those on the front lines.

Jesus taught Nicodemus to believe and be born again with the Spirit. Nicodemus is one of the people whom Jesus invited to become his followers. According to one scholar, Nicodemus was probably impressed by the miracles of Jesus but was not fully convinced that he was the Messiah.

Jesus educated him on the importance of being born in the Spirit, highlighting the spiritual transformation. Jesus taught him the importance of personal trust and surrender. Surrendering everything to God will bring hope and peace.

Lord, help us to be born in your Spirit, to believe, and to surrender to your will. Amen.