Nicodemus, a model for openness and re-awakening

 Nicodemus(Etymology: the people's victory in Gk and Nahum in Hebrew) appears three times in the Gospel of St. John. As St. John describes, he was a scholar among the Jews of that time, yet deeply perplexed by Jesus’ teachings on rebirth. Wanting to understand more, Nicodemus sought Jesus out, though he came under the cover of night, fearing to appear in public. During their conversation, Jesus clarified that the rebirth He spoke of was not a second physical birth, as Nicodemus initially thought, but rather a spiritual rebirth—one whose effects would be visible in a transformed life. This explanation resonated with Nicodemus, and it began his journey of spiritual transformation.

Later, Nicodemus interceded with the Pharisees, arguing that Jesus should not be condemned without being heard. Eventually, he displayed no fear in identifying as a follower of Christ. When Jesus was crucified, Nicodemus publicly honored Him by bringing spices for His burial, an act of reverence and devotion.

What stands out is the spiritual transformation that took place in Nicodemus through his openness to learning and his willingness to break free from rigid traditions. His enlightenment came from Jesus Himself, the source of ultimate truth. Nicodemus symbolizes the openness and unprejudiced pursuit of knowledge that education and spiritual growth bring. He was fortunate to receive his formation from Christ, and his life reminds us that we should not remain confined within the limits of what we’ve already learned. Instead, we should be constantly expanding our understanding, seeking deeper insights into our faith.

Like Nicodemus, we are called to articulate what we believe clearly and logically to those who seek to understand our faith. In this way, Nicodemus is a model for intellectual curiosity and spiritual openness.

Similarly, Cardinal Newman exemplifies the ideal of a seeker. Unsatisfied with what he had absorbed, he sought deeper knowledge about his faith, its roots, and its authenticity. His prayer to the Light to guide his way came from his heart, and through further study and inquiry, he grew in his understanding of the faith. Newman was willing to give up positions and privileges to pursue the truth he found. His words capture this sense of purpose:

"God has created me to do Him some definite service; He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission; I never may know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I have a part in a great work; I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good, I shall do His work; I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my place, while not intending it, if I do but keep His commandments and serve Him in my calling."

In our own journey, we too should use our time and resources to deepen our knowledge of the faith and understanding of our attachment to Jesus. This requires constant study and an open mind. As Tennyson’s Ulysses declares, our aim should be “to strive, to seek, to find.” Nicodemus, in this sense, becomes a mentor and guiding star for us as we pursue greater understanding and spiritual growth.