Make the right decision

Good morning, happy Tuesday, and many blessings.

In John 3: 5-15 we learn that Nicodemus comes, under the cover of darkness, to confess his belief in Jesus and to learn more about this teacher. What a marvelous prospect lies before Nicodemus! He may become a close associate of Jesus, able to witness firsthand various aspects of Jesus’ life on earth. As a ruler of the Jews and a teacher in Israel, Nicodemus has a good knowledge of God’s Word. He also has keen insight, as seen by his identifying Jesus as a teacher sent by God. Nicodemus is interested in spiritual matters, and he is unusually humble. How difficult it must be for a member of the highest court of the Jews to acknowledge a lowly carpenter’s son as a man sent from God! All such qualities are invaluable in the making of a disciple of Jesus.

Nicodemus’ interest in this man from Nazareth does not seem to diminish. Two and a half years later, at the Festival of Booths, Nicodemus attends a meeting of the Sanhedrin. At this time, Nicodemus is still “one of them.” The chief priests and the Pharisees send officers to arrest Jesus. The officers return and report: “Never has another man spoken like this.” The Pharisees start to belittle them: “You have not been misled also, have you? Not one of the rulers or of the Pharisees has put faith in him, has he? But this crowd that does not know the Law are accursed people.” Nicodemus cannot hold back any longer. He speaks up: “Our law does not judge a man unless first it has heard from him and come to know what he is doing, does it?” He then finds himself the target of criticism from the other Pharisees: “You are not also out of Galilee, are you?

Nicodemus’ indecisiveness meant a great loss on his part. Included was Jesus’ warm invitation: “Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls. For my yoke is kindly and my load is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) Nicodemus missed the opportunity to experience this refreshment literally from Jesus himself!

However, in some way some six months later, on Passover Day of 33 C.E., Nicodemus beholds Jesus’ body being taken down from the torture stake. Even at this moment, however, Nicodemus still is not identified as a disciple of Jesus! Nicodemus recognized that Jesus came from God. However, he needed to go beyond simply showing appreciation for Jesus as the one sent by God. He needed to “disown himself and pick up his torture stake day after day and follow [Jesus] continually.” After Nicodemus had become a follower, his life was changed forever. He never hid his faith in Jesus again. Have you put off the decision to become one of Jesus’ disciples because of what your relatives, friends, or colleagues might say? 

How About You? Admit it. Sometimes you just feel lazy. Sometimes you feel comfortable and don't want to change. Sometimes change seems too complicated. Sometimes change seems not to be worthwhile. I believe many of us are like Nicodemus. We struggle being like the Pharisees, but deep in our hearts we want to follow Jesus. And like Nicodemus we too can break away from our Pharisee like qualities and whole heartedly follow Jesus.

Blessings

Fr. Luis+