Gospel: John 3: 1-8
Nicodemus, a Pharisee of prominent rank, comes to visit Jesus at night. He sees the good deeds Jesus performs. He is attracted to a life of mercy and loving service to others that Jesus invites us to live. Yet, he is afraid, knowing well the world of religious institution and secular power where there is no interest in a world of care for all. Power, after all, is had by exclusion and rivalry; the care for all is difficult to monetize.
Over time, Nicodemus grows in his faith and becomes more open. His next visit with Jesus is at dusk where some light exists. He will then seek to defend Jesus at his trial against those who seek his death. Finally, Nicodemus will be there to help with the preparations for Jesus' burial in broad daylight. At this point he has been removed from his seat of power and influence.
How often are we like Nicodemus? We too are attracted to Jesus' care for all, a life of mercy and loving service. We know all too well the power of religious institutions and secular forces that lead only by division and exclusion. We too seek to grow in faith and courage as Nicodemus did, to stand up for Jesus - to stand up for those excluded and on the margins and to care for all people in love and mercy. This is our Easter mystagogy, the ongoing reflection on the life of Jesus and imitation of his way.
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