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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Enter the kingdom of God

Enter the kingdom of God

Published Apr 16, 2023 04:02 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY



The week following Easter is devoted to reflection on the fundamental sacrament of the Church: Baptism. The Gospel reading is taken from Jesus’ nocturnal encounter with Nicodemus during which Jesus explains “birth” to the Kingdom of God. Nicodemus represents Torah-observant Jews who hold on to the traditional view that one’s relationship with God is based on birthrights, i.e., on being an Israelite. But Jesus tells him that one must be born “from above” (v 3), that is, the relationship with God is primarily through birth in the Spirit. Nicodemus is captivated by Jesus the Teacher. Though he has yet to open the eyes of faith in order to recognize Jesus as the revealer of the Father, Nicodemus has to wait for Jesus’ resurrection and the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost to begin understanding the deeper meaning of rebirth and entry into God’s Kingdom. Faith is a gift. St. Paul writes, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so no one may boast” (Eph 2:8-9).

FIRST READING • Acts 4:23-31

After their release Peter and John went back to their own people and reported what the chief priests and elders had told them. And when they heard it, they raised their voices to God with one accord and said, “Sovereign Lord, maker of heaven and earth and the sea and all that is in them, you said by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of our father David, your servant: Why did the Gentiles rage and the peoples entertain folly? The kings of the earth took their stand and the princes gathered together against the Lord and against his anointed. “Indeed they gathered in this city against your holy servant Jesus whom you anointed, Herod and Pontius Pilate, together with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do what your hand and your will had long ago planned to take place. And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness, as you stretch forth your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” As they prayed, the place where they were gathered shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. *Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]); Website: [http://www.stpauls.ph](http://www.stpauls.ph).*

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