or where it is going. It is like that with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
Nicodemus asked again, “How can this be?” And Jesus answered, “You are a teacher
in Israel, and you don’t know these things!
Truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we witness to the things we have
seen, but you don’t accept our testimony. If you don’t believe when I speak of earthly
things, what then, when I speak to you of heavenly things? No one has ever gone up to
heaven except the one who came from heaven, the Son of Man.
As Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that
whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
Reflect
The motto of the Three Musketeers was “All for one and one for all.” Catholic social
teaching summarizes this motto with a single word: solidarity. We are called to stand
shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters, especially those who are most
vulnerable and in the greatest need.
Today’s first reading describes what that solidarity looks like in practice. People brought
what they had to the apostles, the Church, and so that it could be shared with those in
need. The Christians gave generously, expecting nothing in return. Do we understand that
all we have, that all we are, is a gift from God? We give to others to honor the God who has
given so generously to us. Because all is gift, we do not hold tightly to our possessions.
We unite our lives to those of our brothers and sisters in need, standing beside them in
love and justice, recognizing that we are one family, brothers and sisters equally beloved
by God.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023