Monday of the
Second Week of Easter
(Acts 4:23-31; John 3:1-8)
Although she has an Irish name, Lisa Fitzgerald grew up
in a Jewish household. But she
considered herself an atheist through law school at Harvard. In the last couple of years, however, Ms.
Fitzgerald began to read the works of Simone Weil, a French writer who died
during World War II. Weil, who also had
Jewish roots, came closer to Christ as she began to pray. One early morning Fitzgerald woke from sleep
with a lot of energy. She decided to run
in a park. While running, she was
overcome with a need for prayer. She
crossed herself repeatedly, found a rosary site on her telephone, and began to recite
it. Later she joined the RCIA and was
scheduled for Baptism this Easter.
Lisa Fitzgerald’s story sheds light on what Jesus means
in today’s gospel. He tells Nicodemus
that one has to be born again to “see the Kingdom of God.” Being born again is more than a washing with
Baptismal waters. It is also viewing
life in a whole new way. Life is not a playground
where one seeks different kinds of pleasure.
Nor is it a project to earn, buy, and consume to achieve happiness. When one avails herself to God in Baptism,
she realizes that life is a calling to know and love God. Answering this call, she finds happiness in
following God’s will. This heavenly bliss
will endure even death itself.
Most Catholics today are baptized as infants. We grow up learning about God through parents
and religion teachers. As Jesus indicates
in the gospel, we come to know Him slowly, almost imperceptibly. Doing it right, however, we realize that God
loves us and will give us happiness. Still,
we must respond to God with love.
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