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April 29, 2014

Christ’s conversation with Nicodemus is a discourse on baptism, which means, to be born from above. One who is born from above allows the Spirit to lead his life; everything he does is based solely on the will of God. Even if we are all baptized, most of us cannot say that we are born from above because usually, we would rather do our own will, anything that makes us happy, fills us, and gratifies us. We are all basically egoistic. This is why we truly need to be born of the Spirit. How are we born of the Spirit? By believing that the Son of Man was lifted up, we become people born of the Spirit, which is not a simple matter. Jesus was lifted up when he died on the cross and also when he was resurrected. To believe in this truth is to acknowledge Christ as the Lord. However, often, we raise up other gods in our lives like ourselves, money, success, affection, etc. We worship these idols instead of Christ, preferring our projects in life. This gospel is an invitation for us to allow Jesus Christ to overthrow the devil in our lives who keeps us slave of our concupiscence, of our egoism, and truly believe only in Him as our Lord.

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 30, Issue 3

<< Wednesday, April 30, 2014 >>

Pope St. Pius V

Acts 5:17-26
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Psalm 34:2-9

John 3:16-21
Similar Reflections

OVER THESE PRISON WALLS WE SHALL FLY!

"We found the jail securely locked and the guards at their posts outside the gates, but when we opened it we found no one inside." —Acts 5:23

Listen to the guards talking outside the prison walls...

"Have you seen him? That bum's been an alcoholic for twenty years! What's he doing holding down a steady job? Look, he's witnessing to his co-workers about how Jesus delivered him from the bottle. He can't do that. Let's talk some sense into him..."

"Have you seen her? She's been shy and meek all her life. What's she doing praying in front of the abortion clinic? She can't do that. It's making people angry. We've got to stop her..."

"Look at Father! He's been a quiet priest all these years. Why is he suddenly trying to renew our parish? He must have a hidden agenda. We'd better talk to the bishop..."

The world thinks it has overcome Christians by putting them in jails called "acceptable behavior." How surprised they are when Jesus snaps the chains that bind us and sets us free in the open! (Ps 18:20) When we receive the Holy Spirit, we act in truth and come into the light to glorify God by our deeds (Jn 3:21). Since the world hates the light (Jn 3:20), they will want to throw us back into our old prisons (Acts 5:26). However, Jesus has set us free, and we are free indeed! (Jn 8:36)

"So stand firm, and do not take on yourselves the yoke of slavery a second time!" (Gal 5:1) "Go out now and take your place!" (Acts 5:20)

Prayer: Father, You so loved the world that You sent Your only Son to save us (Jn 3:16). I am eternally grateful to You. I am all Yours. Use me as You will.

Promise: "God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him." —Jn 3:17

Praise: Pope St. Pius V lived an exemplary life: as a simple friar at the beginning, and later as a humble pope.