This Sunday of Lent is known as “Laetare Sunday”, which means Sunday of rejoicing, a joyful anticipation of the Easter Mystery! Just as Spring ushers in new life in nature, so also Lent is meant to bring about a renewal in our lives, a new understanding of the events of Calvary which led to a new life, a Glorious existence for Jesus Christ our Savior through His death and Resurrection.

In today’s Gospel, Nicodemus the Pharisee was invited to accept the Light that Jesus brings if he wishes to receive Salvation. Failure to do so would keep one in the darkness of sin. “No one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.” This is our Baptismal call, an invitation to personal conversion. Nicodemus came out of his encounter with Jesus a New man! His openness to accept what Jesus said enabled him to identify his sins within, and effectively confront them, leading to his rebirth.

Where do we stand today in our relationship with Jesus? Are there dark areas within us that we need to name like the seven deadly sins or any other? The Lord gives us another opportunity this Lent, to let His light enter into our hearts and allow ourselves to be reborn!

Fr. Sunny Punnakuziyil, MSFS
Pastor, SJN