John 3:31-36
Today we move from the story of Nicodemus meeting Jesus by night to the scene of John the Baptist in the Judean countryside. Nicodemus is set before us as a figure who seeks clarity in his confusion. John the Baptist is a figure of absolute certainty. I can sometimes be unnerved by John the Baptist’s certainty. Nicodemus has had formal training in the understanding of Torah. John the Baptist’s background is much less certain. Both men have had their consciences stirred by Jesus. The Gospel text today echoes the themes of Nicodemus’ conversation with Jesus.
‘He who comes from above is above all others: he who is born of earth is earthly himself and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven bears witness to the things he has seen and heard, even if his testimony is not accepted; though all who do accept his testimony are attesting the truthfulness of God, since he whom God has sent speaks God’s own words: God gives him the Spirit without reserve.’
When you hear this read there is a sharp contrast between what is ‘earthly’ and what is ‘heavenly’. We are used to this contrast and perhaps accept it quite readily in the context of the Liturgy. In our day to day lives the distinction is much less clear. The point that is being made is that Jesus is ‘from above’ and if we want to identify closely with the Messiah, we too must be ‘born from above’. While the choice to be ‘born from above’ was made for us at Baptism, it is our daily choices that open up for us eternal life in the here and now:
‘Anyone who believes in the Son has eternal life, but anyone who refuses to believe in the Son will never see life: and the anger of God stays on him.’
These are strong words.
How can you choose eternal life today?