Monday of the Second Week of Easter
This Week’s Intention: For the spread of peace and justice throughout the world, especially where people’s hearts have become hardened to God’s presence.
Today’s Gospel | John 3:1-8
There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. He came to Jesus at 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 are doing unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot reenter his mother’s womb and be born again, can he?” Jesus answered, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I told you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
From the Meditation for the Second Sunday after Easter | St. John Baptist de La Salle
It is also necessary, says Jesus Christ, that the sheep know their shepherd in order to be able to follow him. Two qualities are needed by those who lead others and must be particularly evident in them.
The first is a high level of virtue, in order to be models for others, who would not fail to go astray following their guides if the guides themselves did not walk in the right way. The second is the great tenderness they must show for those entrusted to their care. They must be very alert to whatever can harm or wound their sheep. This is what leads the sheep to love their shepherds and to delight in their company, for there they find their rest and comfort.
Do you want your disciples to do what is right? Then you do so too. You will persuade them much more readily through your example of wise and prudent behavior than through all the words you could speak to them. Do you want them to keep silence? Then be silent too. You will make them prudent and self-controlled only insofar as you act that way.
Prayer
Eternal Father, your Son came to us that we might have life and have it to the full. Sometimes we mistake the illusions of this world for the truth of your power and redemption. Teach us what is permanent and what changes, what is merely of this world and what is of your eternal Kingdom. Awaken us to the awareness that life is eternally reborn in you. Guide us to see all things through the eyes of faith, so that we will live each day seeking to imitate you in your virtue, your tenderness, and your compassion. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts forever.