24 April 2017
Monday of the Second Week of Easter
Just last week, on Good Friday, we heard that Nicodemus appears after the crucifixion bringing spices of myrrh and aloe that weight about one hundred pounds. He helps Joseph of Arimathea bury Jesus’ body. On Good Friday, Nicodemus was a very different Nicodemus than the one in today’s’ Gospel. The Nicodemus that we saw after the crucifixion is the one who has the courage to take the risk being associated with the crucified Christ. The Nicodemus that we see in today’s Gospel is the one who visits Jesus during the night because he does not want anybody to know about his contact with Jesus. Presumably, Nicodemus worries that his fellow Jews will judge him for his friendship with Jesus.
Each of us has our comfort zone. We would rather stay in our comfort zone. Learning from Nicodemus, perhaps we could learn to take a risk and leave our comfort zone. Would you be interested in challenging yourself or perhaps you still need some time to stay in your comfort zone like Nicodemus who needs to seek Jesus in the middle of the night. In the end, Nicodemus is not afraid to show that Jesus is his dear friend. He chooses to perform the Jewish burial custom to honor Jesus. If you have something you hold dearly in your heart and if you believe it is true, perhaps it’s time to bring it into the light. Speak freely with Jesus about it. Bring whatever you have in mind to Jesus.