Believe in Christ

Gospel

John 3:7-15

No-one has gone up to heaven except the Son of Man who has come down from heaven

Jesus said to Nicodemus:

‘Do not be surprised when I say:

You must be born from above.

The wind blows wherever it pleases;

you hear its sound,

but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going.

That is how it is with all who are born of the Spirit.’

‘How can that be possible?’ asked Nicodemus. ‘You, a teacher in Israel, and you do not know these things!’ replied Jesus.

‘I tell you most solemnly,

we speak only about what we know

and witness only to what we have seen

and yet you people reject our evidence.

If you do not believe me when I speak about things in this world,

how are you going to believe me when I speak to you about heavenly things?

No one has gone up to heaven

except the one who came down from heaven,

the Son of Man who is in heaven;

and the Son of Man must be lifted up

as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert,

so that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.’

Reflection

In this dialogue with Nicodemus, Jesus invites us to consider a birth that transcends earthly understandings—a birth from above, a movement of the Spirit beyond our sight and control. The image of the wind reminds us that the Spirit is real and life-giving, even though we cannot govern or fully comprehend it. Like Nicodemus, we may rely on our knowledge and status, but Jesus calls us to open to the mystery of God’s works at a deeper level, trusting what the Spirit prompts in our hearts. Belief becomes not just assent to facts, but openness to the transformative presence of God that renews, enlightens, and unites us to eternal life in Christ.

Reflection Question

In what area of your life is the Spirit inviting a “birth from above,” a renewal you cannot fully explain but which leads you to deeper trust and love?

Prayer

Loving Spirit, breathe into our hearts and place within us the trust to be born anew in you. Help us to recognize your presence beyond our schemes and to respond with faith, hope, and love. Lift us up with the Son of Man, that we may believe and receive eternal life through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

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