Waters at Caesarea Philippi
John 3:1-8
You ever have one of ‘those’ secrets! You know, that secret that you were sworn to silence under severe penalty? Maybe it was setting up that surprise baby shower for your husband (yes, I do mean husband, namely me, but that’s a story for another time)! Or maybe it was that special birthday present for mom! But your excitement was so intense and the anticipation so unbearable that you just couldn’t wait. So you spilled the beans; you blabbed! You just couldn’t keep the joy inside; you had to let it out!
Today’s Gospel focuses on Nicodemus, a rich and powerful Pharisee. And while the conversation between Jesus and him is significant, the timing is everything. Nicodemus visits Jesus in the dead of night, in secret. He is beginning to believe in Him but he is fearful that anyone else finds out. He is worried about losing his political and religious power, his status and popularity. He is trying to balance his standing in the world with his growing beliefs in Jesus’ message. He is trying to become a follower, but only on his terms. And that won’t work!
So where do we stand as a follower of Jesus? Are we Christian only when it’s convenient, only when no one is watching? Are we so concerned with our physical wants and needs, our status and popularity, that we are reluctant to be fully and visibly Christian? Do we seek out Jesus only in the dead of night when the world is not watching? Do we keep it secret? Or are we so excited, so energized, that the joy of the Resurrection just spills out, not just in our words but in our actions!
Jesus today talks about being re-born in the water and in the Spirit. We have all been reborn in the waters of Baptism; we have all been filled with the Holy Spirit. We have all professed our faith with our Baptismal Promises. When do we carry them out? What will it take for us to be Christian in the light of day? To proclaim Jesus’ message by our words and our actions! What will it take to be Christian in moments of inconvenience, moments when the world is watching?