# I won't stop praying: reflections on Nicodemus and the life of the Spirit
*2020-03-20*

> Bill Young reflects on the necessity of perseverance in prayer during times of turmoil and explores the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus regarding being born anew.

## Persevering in Prayer

In these challenging times, especially with the suspension of public Masses and adoration in many archdioceses, the need for prayer is more urgent than ever. I recall seeing a priest in another country giving confessions in a parking lot, maintaining distance but remaining face-to-face with the faithful. It is a beautiful example of the Church's dedication to the sacraments despite the circumstances.

Reflecting on the words of Father Henri J.M. Nouwen in 'Journey of the Heart,' we are reminded that even in the midst of inner turmoil and restlessness, God is working in us in ways we cannot yet feel or understand. Even when prayer feels useless or pointless, we must promise not to run away or give up. We cling to the faith that the Holy Spirit reaches deeper than our minds or hearts can perceive.

## The Encounter with Nicodemus

In the Gospel of John, we meet Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews and a Pharisee. While he was a member of the Sanhedrin, he was not one of those who opposed Jesus; in fact, he later defended Jesus and provided costly ornaments for His burial. However, Nicodemus initially approached Jesus by night, likely out of fear of what his peers would think.

Nicodemus recognized that Jesus performed signs that could only come from God, but he approached Jesus as a category or an object of study. Jesus challenges this intellectual approach, telling him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you are born anew, you cannot see the kingdom of God.' Nicodemus, thinking in earthly terms, wondered if he must re-enter his mother's womb, but Jesus was speaking of a spiritual rebirth.

## Born of Water and Spirit

To enter the kingdom of God, we must be born of water and the Spirit. This refers to Baptism, which is our deepest consecration. Through Baptism, we are set apart from the world and freed from the dominion of Satan to become beloved children of God. We are called to live in the world, but not of it, acting as light in the midst of darkness.

Too often, the darkness of greed, gluttony, anger, envy, pride, lust, laziness, and fear tries to smother the light we received at the font. But the Christian life is a life of the Spirit—an energy that comes not from ourselves, but from the power of the Holy Spirit who flows where He wills. This life does not follow the categories of the flesh, but the ways of the kingdom of God.

## Saved Through the Body of Christ

Jesus tells Nicodemus that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. In a profound sense, the world is saved through us. As the Body of Christ, we save the world when we, as children of light, emerge from the darkness to do the works of life through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Our deeds, when rooted in the love of God, make the invisible grace of the Spirit visible to the world. We are called to reject the works of darkness and walk in newness of life, becoming the light of Christ to everyone we encounter.

*We must persevere in prayer and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to live out our baptismal calling as lights in a dark world.*