Born again. It’s the phrase used in today’s lectionary reading from John’s gospel, often used by evangelicals to mean a conversion and belief in Jesus – whatever that means. The phrase “belief in Jesus’ has a wide range of meanings, everything from the old Bible-thumping approach of my old Southern Baptist pastor to the radical pacifism and action of a Dorothy Day or Daniel Berrigan.
Being born again also has a meaning that goes far beyond the verses in today’s lectionary reading. It can and has for many reflected new ways of looking at the world, opening one’s eyes to bringing new birth, hope and life to the world. It means that we have had a radical transformation in our lives.
Sometimes that radical transformation has come from encounters with other people who have a different take on the world; sometimes, it comes from just reading a book. What is important is that we remain open to the possibility of radical transformation in our lives, to being born again.
Prayer for the Day
God of the ever-expanding life of the Spirit and mind,
Open us to the possibilities of new life in the world;
Lord of infinite creative energy and power,
Help us to broaden our vision of your will.
Shape us, O Spirit, into people unafraid of questions,
And grant that we explore all the roads that lay before us.
In the name of the One who was fearless,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Being religious means passionately asking the question of the meaning of our existence and being willing to receive answers, even if the answers hurt.
- Paul Tillich, theologian, philosopher (1886-1965)
The opposite of faith is not doubt but certainty. Certainty is missing the point entirely. Faith includes noticing the mess, the emptiness and discomfort until some light returns.
- Anne Lamott, writer, from Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith
May God grant me to speak with judgment,
And to have thoughts worthy of what I have received;
For God is the guide even of wisdom,
And the corrector of the wise.
Wisdom of Solomon 7: 15