HOW IS OUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY AFTER OUR BAPTISM? - 04/17/23 (Monday of the Second Week of Easter)

John 3:1-8

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born anew.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit.”

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041723.cfm

Blessed Monday! Our Lord Jesus told Nicodemus, a Pharisee, that he needed to be born again in order to see the Kingdom of God. Nicodemus misunderstood it because he thought that our Lord was speaking of a literal pregnancy. As such, Jesus Christ clarified it by saying that it's necessary to be born of water and of spirit to enter the Kingdom of God. What does it mean to be born of water and spirit? This means to be baptized. Baptism is not merely a routine done in a family when there is a newborn infant. Baptism is a sacrament where the child, or adult who is baptized, becomes the adopted children of God. This person is washed from the stains of original sin, and he or she receives the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ uses the words "water" and "Spirit" to remind us of His baptism in Jordan where the Holy Spirit descended to Him. Below this reflection, there is an article from the website "Catholic Answers" that explains our belief on baptism. Baptism is a wonderful gift because through this, we begin in our spiritual journey, and we become more enlightened of the presence of God in our lives. But, how has been our spiritual journey since our baptism some years ago? Let's go back to the reason why our Lord speaks of such words to Nicodemus. 

Nicodemus thought that Jesus was merely a great teacher like any other teacher. Nicodemus, despite being an educated Pharisee, was thinking from a worldly perspective, and this was another reason why he was unable to understand the words of Christ. He was unable to see that he was in front of God Himself. Like Nicodemus, we may also neglect to recognize that Jesus is God although we may be aware of it intellectually because of our prayers. This happens when we become lukewarm in our faith, when we do not mind neglecting the teachings of the Church or the commandments of Christ, when we allow ourselves to be distracted for a long time by social media and by other things as well. Some people may think of applying for a job without discerning whether such opportunities may hinder their prayer life, Mass attendance, and other important spiritual matters. Let's not lose courage because God is merciful. May we find refuge in Jesus by reflecting in our prayer on how we can do what is pleasing to Him and avoid the things that act as obstacles to our relationship with our Lord. When we also think of job opportunities, let's also discern on how such opportunities give glory to God and become opportunities to express our love for our families without neglecting God Himself. Jesus tells us that the wind blows wherever it wills. This symbolizes that as we continue in our spiritual journey, as a way of living out our baptism, we should seek heavenly things by being focused on God's will, because Jesus wants us to enter the Kingdom of heaven. 

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

An Article on Baptism from "Catholic Answers":

https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/baptism-2

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