Christians are called to be born from Above

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

Easter Season: Second Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Jn 3:7b-15*

*First Reading : Acts 4:32-37*

*Christians are called to be born from Above*

*1) Birth from Above*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the birth from above 

While Jesus speaks with Nicodemus, He speaks about the birth from Above 

Further Jesus also speaks about the birth from the Spirit

So birth from above means birth from the Spirit

*2) The Qualities of the Spirit*

The Spirit which Jesus speaks about is the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit has the following Gifts 

1 ) wisdom, 

2) understanding, 

3) counsel, 

4) fortitude, 

5) knowledge, 

6) piety, and 

7) fear of the Lord.

The Fruits of the Holy Spirit are the Following

Charity

Joy

Peace

Patience

Kindness

Goodness

Generosity

Gentleness

Faithfulness

Modesty

Self Control

Chastity

*3) Christians are called to be born of the Spirit*

With Baptism, we take birth into God's family 

We become the children of God and God becomes our Father

When Jesus speaks about the birth from Spirit, we need to take birth in the above values 

Unless there values are born in our life, we really don't become Christian in our life 

*4) Birth and growth in the Spirit*

There is no doubt that every Christian is born in the spirit on the day of Baptism. 

But the question is, have I grown in these values after having taken birth in these values? 

Some have taken birth and have seen death of these values after some years 

Some have made little growth. Some are struggling and others are making progress

*5) Examples of Birth from above or Spirit*

Matthew the Tax collector

Zaccheaus 

Mary Magdalene

One leper who came back to thank Jesus 

All 12 disciples

St Paul 

*6) Am I growing in the Spirit?*

This is the important question

Every Christian is called upon to grow in these values to facilitate our birth and growth in the Spirit

If So,  am I growing in the Spirit in my life? 

Is the growth in these Gospel values, disturbed with any other things?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*