Nicodemus Came to Jesus by Night
The Macklin Bible, 1800

Greetings, my dear friends.

As we reflect on the second Sunday in Lent, we are reminded of the profound message conveyed in the gospel of John 3:1-17. This passage speaks of a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, "a leader of the Jews", who approached Jesus by night to avoid detection, seeking spiritual guidance. Jesus responded by telling Nicodemus that in order to see the kingdom of God, he must be born again.

This concept of being "born again" has been interpreted in many different ways, but at its core, it is a reminder that we are all capable of transformation and renewal. It is a call to let go of our old ways of thinking and being and embrace a new way of life that is centered on love, compassion, and service to others.

In the passage, Jesus goes on to explain that God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that whoever believes in him may not perish but have eternal life. This is a powerful message of love and hope that speaks to the heart of all spiritual traditions.

As we reflect on this passage, we are reminded that love is the key to our spiritual journey. Love is what connects us to one another, to the world around us, and to the divine. Love is what gives us the strength to overcome our challenges and transform our lives.

Mahayana Buddhism also emphasizes the importance of love and compassion. Love and compassion are the antidotes to suffering and the keys to spiritual awakening. When we cultivate love and compassion in our hearts, we become a source of healing and hope for ourselves and others.

As we continue on our Lenten journey, let us remember the message of John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that whoever believes in him may not perish but have eternal life." Let us be born again in love, and let us share that love with all those around us. May we be a source of light and hope in the world, and may we be guided by the wisdom and compassion of all the great spiritual traditions.