Monday of the Second Week of Easter April 19,2004 Scripture: Acts 4:23-31; John 3:1-8 Reflection: As I reflected on the reading from Acts, I had this sense that Peter and John could not wait to return to the group of believers after their release from prison and share what the chief priests and elders had said. The strong warning to keep silent about what they had seen fell on deaf ears. As a result of their experience, Peter and John were deeply touched and transformed by their love of and faith in Jesus and the Holy Spirit. They were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit in their desire to proclaim the truth about Jesus. Nicodemus, on the other hand, questions Jesus when he goes to him in the dark of night and says, “Rabbi, I know you are a teacher sent by God; no one could perform the miracles you are performing unless God were with him.” Jesus responds with, “No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” Nicodemus asks, “How can this be? How can I be born again?” In asking these questions he is searching for the faith to understand, and he is open to the process of being transformed. Our daily experiences are a culmination of Peter’s and John’s transforming faith, and the openness of Nicodemus’ faith to understand. Suggested Action: Think of a time when you had an experience like Peter’s and John’s that transformed your faith. Recall a time when your faith led you to greater understanding. Thank God for the moments of clarity in your life that resulted from your deep faith. Sr. Elizabeth McEneaney, IHM Manhasset, New York

Graphic: Sr. Cecilia Yeon Tji, IHM