Daily Gospel Reflection for April 17, 2023

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: John 3:1-8

In this passage, Jesus once again says things people did not fully comprehend. Born again? Why would a person need to be reborn? Jesus tells Nicodemus that he is not talking about flesh but spirit. That this is the only way a person can enter the kingdom of God. Reborn through water and wind; this is what will save men's souls.

I once took part in a session on imaginative prayer. This practice is when you listen to a scripture passage and try to imagine entering the scene: how would it look, smell, and sound? This exercise can help us encounter the Word of God on a deeper level rather than simply reading words on a page.

On that day, we meditated on the baptism of Jesus. I felt the rush of the spirit descending and heard the dove's wings. I imagine this scene whenever I witness a baptism. And sometimes I think I hear the whisper of the wind.

"The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."

Ponder:

What does being reborn of water and spirit mean to our everyday life?

Pray:

Thank you, Lord, for the sacrament of baptism. Guide us always with Your Holy Spirit so that what we do, what we think, and what we say brings glory to You.

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I felt the rush of the spirit descending and heard the dove's wings. I imagine this scene whenever I witness a baptism. And sometimes I think I hear the whisper of the wind. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2023 Cathi Kennedy