If I had to make a list of the top ten gospel readings that get me excited, this one just might make the list. In classic Jesus style, he uses symbolism to explain to Nicodemus what God is like. The reason I love this so much is because the symbolism and message transcend time so that future generations can understand it too. And, the message certainly applies to our lives today.
One of the most interesting experiences that I have witnessed many times over as a college professor is the social norm that assumes that science and religion do not mix. Many people seem to believe that they tell opposite stories – one being of matter and the other being of spirit. But I think if we look closely, we can see an eloquent entrainment where both contribute something important to the same story. It is like science and religion are entangled parts of the same whole (if I can borrow language from quantum physics). And what I see in John’s Gospel reading from today is Jesus teaching Nicodemus about the importance of both matter and spirit.
In today’s gospel story we read about Nicodemus being confused by the language Jesus is using when he describes being “born” and experiencing the “Kingdom of God.” Nicodemus is confused because he can only understand the language through lived experiences with matter – what he can physically see, hear, and feel. I think we can all relate to this. What often appears real to us is only what we can see, hear, and feel and the notion of physical birth certainly fits this reality. I think it is also interesting that John uses Nicodemus’ age to get this point across. In other words, matter is important to our understanding during the first part of our lives. But as we age, we hopefully start to see there is something beyond matter and are born into a new understanding – one that allows us to see and experience the Kingdom of God here and now. But if we just remain with matter, we will not be able to see, hear, and feel beyond matter. As Jesus says, “What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of spirit is spirit.”
The part of this story that makes it special and exciting for me are the final lines. As I picture their conversation in my mind, I can see Jesus talking with Nicodemus almost as a coach does when giving an encouraging pep talk to an athlete. He says, “Do not be amazed that I told you, ‘You must be born from above.” In other words, “Hey Nicodemus, you already were born from God. You have already heard the Spirit in ways other than through your ears and you are seeing the Kingdom of God right before your very eyes.” Matter and Spirit were coming together for Nicodemus and Jesus, the teacher, was getting him to see what he already knew. “The wind [Spirit] blows where it wills, and you can [are actually] hear[-ing] the sound it makes.”
In our world today, we often get stuck only hearing, seeing, and feeling matter. Our physical ailments, our emotional pain, and our worry are all so tangible that it can seem that this is all there is to reality. Jesus’ words to Nicodemus apply to us too, “What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of spirit is spirit.” In other words, “Let’s not get stuck and mired down in the physical matter of the world. It is important and has its place, but it’s not the full story. Allow yourself to hear the wind blow is ways other than with your ears. This can lead to a new birth and ‘seeing’ the Kingdom of God.”
Tom Lenz
I am a native of Carroll, Iowa, and originally came to Creighton as an undergraduate student in 1988. My wife Nancy and I have four children, two of whom graduated from Creighton. I started my first faculty position at Creighton in 1999, and I am currently a professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine in the School of Medicine. I direct a Master of Science program in Integrative Health and Wellness and teach compassion science courses to medical and dental students.
It is truly a blessing to be part of the Daily Reflections writing team. Each time I have the opportunity to write a reflection, I am reminded of how rich the readings are with wisdom, love, and kindness. And being able to connect in some way with all those who read the reflections is a joy beyond words.
