From Darkness to Light

Gospel: John 3: 1-8

Nicodemus is a fitting figure to consider during the Easter Season.  He only appears in John's Gospel in four episodes, but each of his stage appearances tells a continuous story of a particular individual, and one for us all.  It is a story of rebirth, moving from darkness to light, from complete incomprehension to understanding.

Today's first act is the famous conversation with Jesus about being born again, one that Nicodemus cannot understand at all, for he has come to Jesus at night - out of fear and in ignorance, and fails to see that Jesus is speaking of being born from above in a new reality and understanding.  Later, Nicodemus will come to Jesus at sunset - in partial light, where he has some understanding.  He will also defend Jesus before the other religious leaders of his day.  Finally, he will appear in full daylight at the crucifixion with Joseph of Arimathea asking for Jesus' body and assisting with his burial.  At the cross Nicodemus comes to full understanding and rebirth.

Nicodemus' story is not unlike our own and that of every disciple.  We begin our faith journey in total darkness and misunderstanding and fear.  But we continue to visit the Lord and over time we slowly gain some light.  It is only at the cross do we fully come to understanding, to being born anew from above, and are fully in the light asking for the body of the Lord, wanting to help in the work of mercy and reconciliation.