A Man Like Us

Gospel: John 3: 7-15

The Church provides for us the character of Nicodemus as our Easter mystagogia for he represents every person's spiritual journey.  In this week's readings we will find him coming to Jesus at night, in total darkness both literally and figuratively, as he is unable to understand what Jesus is trying to teach him.  All of us have been in the same condition as he in the beginning of our spiritual pilgrimage.

Later in the Gospel we will encounter Nicodemus at dusk - in partial light - attempting to defend Jesus before the Sanhedrin.  He is growing in understanding, to which he finally arrives at the end of the Gospel where we find him in full daylight at the cross assisting in the task of securing the body of Jesus for burial in the garden tomb.  He has arrived at full understanding and faith.

In our journey we often find ourselves in partial understanding, attempting to argue with people about Jesus, using apologetics as our weapon of choice.  Like Nicodemus, we will find that it does not work and it must be abandoned.  It is only at the cross - by embracing it in our lives - can we arrive at understanding and faith.  Only through the cross can we experience resurrection joy. Only through the cross can others come to understanding and faith.