HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN? - 04/18/23 (Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter)

John 3:9–11

Nicodemus answered and said to him, ‘How can this happen?” Jesus answered and said to him, “You are the teacher of Israel and you do not understand this? Amen, amen, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony.”  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041823.cfm

Blessed Tuesday! After our Lord Jesus spoke about the Holy Spirit to Nicodemus, Nicodemus had one question, "How can this happen?" This is a very interesting question because we can hear the same questions from others when they witness acts of faith. The martyrs of the Catholic Church willingly embraced tortures and death without giving up their faith. The saints gave up worldly things to give themselves completely to God in prayer and service. Many people who had a call to religious or consecrated life gave up their possessions to say "yes" to the invitation of Jesus. For us, these are wonderful expressions of love for God as signs of genuine inspirations of the Holy Spirit. However, some people may not get it. They may mock our faith and simply ask, "How can this happen?" Why is it that other people do not appreciate this wonderful deeds? One reason is because of holding onto a worldly lifestyle. Jesus Christ told Nicodemus that if he found it difficult to accept the words of Jesus, how much more would it be difficult for him to accept heavenly things. Because of this worldly lifestyle, some of us may think that happiness in life consists of seeking instant gratification or pleasures. When we do not listen to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we will not ser that true happiness is found in doing the will of God, who is Perfect Happiness Himself. 

Still, we have to answer the question, "How can this happen?" How come that many people willingly embraced sufferings just to love God to the highest degree? It's because of faith. Faith is a gift from God. When we believe in the teachings of Jesus and the Catholic Church, we will begin to have a different perspective, a more God-centered perspective that may revolutionize how we view the world. This is why Jesus said, "But you people do not accept our testimony." When people do not accept the teachings of our Lord, they may listen to the so called "influencers", "self-help gurus", etc, that may even lead us farther from God. As such, parents should be good role models for their children by living out the Catholic faith. Our Lord Jesus knows that we do not really like to accept sufferings. Because of this, He has taught us the greatest example of love, His death on the Cross. As our Lord told Nicodemus, the Son of Man must be lifted up. He was pertaining to His sacrifice on the Cross when He was lifted on the Cross bringing our intentions to the Father. It may be difficult to do the will of God. Still, everlasting happiness is found in believing in Jesus. As what our Savior tells us, those who believe will have eternal life. If we have faith in Jesus, we will have the hope of entering heaven and seeing God who is robed in His Divine Majesty. And, let's not lose hope when we remember our worldly ways in our own past. Nicodemus became a follower of Jesus, and he also was recognized as one of the multitude of the saints in heaven. How can this happen? It's because of his faith in our Lord Jesus. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth