A true conversion requires great commitments.

Good morning, happy Monday, and blessings.

In today's Gospel (John 3: 1-8) Jesus says to Nicodemus: "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." Most of us have heard the phrase ‘born again Christian.’ It is usually employed by evangelical Christians to refer to those who are viewed as authentically Christian—usually defined as involved as making some sort of personal commitment to Christ.

This definition isn’t actually too far off the mark. But ‘born again’ actually has meaning both a more specific and also deeper meaning than this when considered in its context. In case you didn’t know, the phrase it is sometimes also translated as ‘from above’ instead of ‘again.’ This from above is an invitation to become radical disciples. And being a radical disciple meant confronting and opposing Empire. It was an inner scream against injustice. It meant uprooting oppression. And being a radical “disciple” meant doing that first bit like Jesus.

However, a radical discipleship that is merely performative, one that is animated only by a desire to do everything right and oppose everything wrong is an uprooted discipleship. Radical discipleship needs deep roots. It must be animated by the Spirit, who give us life. Please understand. I’m not saying (as so many do) that the struggle for justice is secondary to our personal spirituality. Nor am I saying that attending to our spiritual life, by some divine magic, will automatically transform us into radical practitioners. No, what I am saying is that our radical discipleship must be transformative, not just performative.

Radical discipleship is about discernment, not following a script. The call to discipleship is a call to live an extraordinary life - an extraordinary life that is rooted in an intimate relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Allow me to highlight at least four qualities of a true disciple of Christ that is born from above or again. First there is selflessness and sacrifice. Disciples always put others first and, in many ways, put other’s needs before their own. This is evident in disciples’ selfless deeds and many acts of kindness. Second, humility and modesty. To be humble is to be a disciple of Jesus because he was truly humble. Just came into this world and was born in a stable, laying in a manger. He humbled Himself to everyone and yet He was God. Christ’s disciples are also modest, not just in appearance but also in the way that they act. Third, professes the Word regularly and effectively. A disciple speaks the Word of God in regular conversation, not in a preachy way, but naturally because it’s what he or she believes. You need to be eager to share the Word because there is a desire to introduce God to everyone. And fourth, loves as Christ did. Or at least tries to. Jesus is love and He was clear when He called all His followers to love as He loved. Disciples understand that it’s not easy to love as the Lord did but know also that to love others is to love Him.

Now my questions to you, after reading this reflection; Are you ready to be a born again Christian? Do you accept the invitation to radical discipleship?

Blessings

Fr. Luis +