Lectio Reflection on John 3:1-8 – Spirits Whispering Sounds
Like Nicodemus, we can be confused by what it means to be born of water and Spirit, but willing to learn. We have been born again in Baptism. The Holy Spirit is there for us to freely decide to accept the Spirit’ embrace of gently circling wind. Embracing back can take us beyond what we think we know in our choice of varying intensities of coming and going. Thoughts of how to receive and love back, solve problems, improve ourselves, and converse with God are just a few resources available from listening in prayer to wisdom. Constantly renewed, we can fail, but with a deep breath, we rise above each time; how can we not be amazed? We can delightfully accept living in the Kingdom of God by trusting and testing the Spirits whispering sounds.
Interview between Jesus and Nicodemus by James Tissot.
The full-resolution painting and more details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Eastertide Reflections
John 3:1-8 – Scripture*
Nicodemus Visits Jesus
Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. 6 What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ 8 The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 3:1-8 Reflection – Spirits Whispering Sounds.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible John 3 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and Jewish Museum websites.