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In the Gospel of John for this 4th Sunday in Lent, Jesus speaks to Nicodemus of the necessity of new birth from above and portends the Cross, the ultimate sign of God’s love for us. On the Cross, Jesus is exalted, and God gives healing and salvation to us.

As I reflected on this passage, two words stood out: darkness and light.

Nicodemus went to see Jesus in the dark of night but at the same time, he was looking for the light. He saw in this carpenter from Nazareth something more. "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you are doing unless God is with him.” Nicodemus was transformed by the teaching of Jesus to the point that he defended Jesus in the meeting with the High Priest and the Pharisees about the origins of the Messiah (Jn 7:46-52). They were in the darkness and did not see what Nicodemus saw, because Nicodemus saw the light.

On Good Friday, Nicodemus had the courage to help Joseph of 
Arimathea to prepare the dead body of Jesus and put Him in the tomb.
Probably, something was telling Nicodemus that this would not be the end.

In this time of Lent, let us look at the Cross in gratitude and love and experience the radiant light that comes from God’s love shining through. May that light shine in the world, especially in countries where war has plunged so many into darkness.

(Image: David Monje, Unsplash).