Today's gospel, 28 April: Niocodemus



Today's gospel relates the story of Nicodemus, a religious leader who seems to have been a secret enquirer about Jesus and a seeker after God, and even a disciple of Jesus, though initially secretly. Nicodemus later 'went public' in identifying himself as one with a loyalty and allegiance to Jesus when he insisted, after Jesus' arrest, that Jesus be given a hearing according to the law. He is sometimes therefore known as the defender of Jesus.





Nicodemus
Detail from The Deposition by Michelangelo, c. 1547–1555
by Francesco Bini
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=153228415




Today's gospel John 3:1-8

Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.’Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, “You must be born from above.” The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’




Nicodemus Coming to Christ
by Henry Ossawa Tanner 
Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4864388


Sacred Space


You can find a devotional guide with gentle reflection on this gospel here:


https://sacredspace.com/daily-prayer/2025-04-28/





Christian Art


Today is Saint George's Day and you can find a reflection on the gospel and a related painting here:



https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-15-18-21-2025/

Popular posts from this blog

In memoriam: Linda Bourke

Image
  "Safe in the arms of Jesus." It is with great sadness that we share with you the news of the death of our friend and sister in Christ, Linda Bourke, faithful Westport parishioner (Holy Trinity Church), on Sunday 9th March, peacefully in Mayo University Hospital.  May she rest in peace and rise in glory.  Notice and arrangements can also be found here:   https://rip.ie/death-notice/linda-bourke-mayo-westport-587759 The death has occurred of Linda Bourke, Riverside, Clogher, Westport – peacefully.   Predeceased by her parents Alex & Frances & infant sister Elizabeth.   Deeply regretted by her sister Iris, extended family, relatives, neighbours, friends & her Westport Country Market Community.   AT REST   Reposing at McGing's Funeral Home (F28 RX58) on Tuesday (Mar 11th) from 11:30am until 12:30pm. THE PUBLIC QUEUE FOR ENTRY INTO THE FUNERAL HOME WILL NOW BE FROM THE SHOP STREET DIRECTION.   Funeral arriving to Holy Trinity Cemeter...
Read more

Return to Inishbiggle, Sat 15 February 2025

Image
  It was especially joyful for a few of us from mainland Mayo to step foot again on Inishbiggle on 15th February, having been prevented by the weather from sailing on our last attempt at the end of November 2024. While on this occasion it was lashing in Limerick, wet in Westport, and raining cats and dogs in Castlebar, the sun was splitting the clouds gloriously on the approach to beautiful Biggle. Also uplifting was to arrive at the church and on entering to find it looking, if not transfigured, transformed - for example, with its newly-stripped and repolished pews, clean floors, doors, harmonica and walls, and a close-to-spotless vestry into the bargain. Hats off and enormous thanks to the church wardens for the hours of painstaking work - truly a labour of love for this precious and important place of gathering and worship, emanating from a sincere love for God and his people, of all faiths and persuasions. Holy Trinity Inishbiggle conveys the message “Come on in! There’s plenty...
Read more

Eastertide Confirmations in Castlebar, 27 April 2025

Image
  Alleluia! Christ is risen! Three people from the Aughaval Parishes were confirmed by the Bishop of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe, the Rt Revd Michael Burrows, on Sunday 27 April in Christ Church, Castlebar. The Confirmands taking up their baptismal promises were Susan (Susie) Fry, Grace Bourke (Westport) and James Bourke (Westport). The first and second lessons in the service were ably read by Grace and James. These are the questions which the bishop addressed for the Confirmands in his sermon: 1) What more can we in the Church of Ireland do in the face of the Biodiversity and Climate crisis? 2) Does everyone get into heaven? 3) What training do you have to go through to be a bishop? 4) What made you want to be a priest? 5) Has the bishop anything to say to help those who are serious both about their commitment to church and Christian discipleship and to their sports activities? Our gratitude to Bishop Michael for serving us and building us up in faith and love in the parishes, wit...
Read more