ST CATHERINE OF SIENA 

TUESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTERTIDE


Acts 4:32-37

Ps. 92(93):1-2,5

John 3:7-15


THE IMACT OF GOD’S WORD IN THE LIFE OF THE EARLY CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES 



The thrilling journey of Jesus’ disciples after His ascension is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of God’s Word, prayer, and the vibrant fellowship that brings together believers from all walks of life. Guess what? That same exhilarating experience is still alive and kicking today! Right from the start, this dynamic new community dove headfirst into the Sacred Scriptures! Bible instruction wasn’t just a task; it was an adventure that fostered spiritual growth in new believers. Jesus had commanded His disciples to teach “all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20), and that’s exactly what they did! They eagerly absorbed everything about the life and teachings of Jesus—the miracles, parables, and profound sermons—all tied to the rich prophecies of the Hebrew Scriptures. This marked the beginning of a vibrant Sacred Tradition passed down to the Church by Christ Himself!



But wait, there’s more! They also dedicated time to prayer and the exhilarating act of breaking bread together. Fellowship wasn’t just a casual affair; it meant they were immersing themselves in one another’s lives! They gathered regularly at the temple in Jerusalem, the epicenter of their worship, and filled their homes with shared meals and heartfelt prayers. This sacred communal life provided an intimate bond that was essential for spiritual growth. These new believers were steadfast in their gatherings, building strong relationships and earning “favor with all the people” (Acts 2:47). The Holy Spirit was working powerfully in their lives, leaving a remarkable impression on those around them and effectively testifying to the truth of Jesus as the Messiah. Unity in the Church blossomed from a shared spiritual experience with Jesus, who boldly declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father but by me” (John 14:6). 



Now, let’s dive into today’s gospel passage, where we witness the nighttime encounter between Nicodemus and Jesus! Nicodemus is utterly perplexed as he grapples with the profound concept of being born again. His intriguing, albeit slightly arrogant, question rings out: “How can that be possible?” Little does he know that Jesus is about to turn his world upside down! With a gentle but firm response, Jesus introduces key themes that echo throughout John’s Gospel—testimony, truth, and the title of the Son of Man. He boldly claims to be an eyewitness to heavenly truths, revealing a mind-blowing reality: “I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man" (3:12-13). This assertion was so profound that it led to accusations of blasphemy during His trial when the High Priest recognized the weight of His words. 



Nicodemus, a strict Pharisee and the “teacher of Israel,” must have wrestled deeply with these statements. This highlights the vital necessity of having faith in the power of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ! Faith is a force that can move mountains and level valleys. The early Christians thrived together in one heart and soul, a unity only achievable through a divine intervention of extraordinary energy! Through the action of the Holy Spirit, they boldly testified to the Resurrection with unparalleled courage and zeal. Because of the risen Christ, their lives—and the course of history—changed forever. 



And guess what? We, too, can become witnesses to the risen Savior today! We can be the encouragement for the discouraged, the hope for the hopeless, and the help for the helpless—just like Joseph, who was surnamed Barnabas by the apostles. Yes, we are victorious! Praise be to Jesus Christ our Victorious King, who has granted us this incredible victory! Alleluia! Amen!

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