(Jn 3:1-8)
Jn introduces the Gospel passage with the highly representative Jewish leader, insisting on the imperfection of believing in prodigies that only grasp the outward side.
On the contrary, it seems to emphasise that the devotion-show so coveted by religious leaders only arouses deviant expectations and ambiguous hearts (2:18-25).
In the fourth Gospel, the notable represents precisely the Jews intrigued by the figure of Jesus [called Jews because they were related to the Judaizers of the first communities].
Some of them question themselves and do not silence the questions, but remain perplexed - because they are educated to other messianic, peremptory and clamorous expectations.
In fact, they cultivated the whole issue concerning the Kingdom of God (vv.3.5) in an approximate and conformist manner.
In addition, Jesus teaches that all speculation does not bring good results for life in the Spirit.
Our profound experience is not generated from what woman and man devise or do for God, from their possibilities - as assumed in ancient religions.
We must rely on the Grace that enters the scene, overturning petty hopes - in this way, not relying on our own measures, skills and dexterity; nor on thoughts, as established as they are inadequate.
The new Rabbi makes it clear that to understand the Mystery one must shake off the outer book of the Law, and embark on an experience of ideal and practical transmutation, like a Birth - alongside a regenerating Agent.
Christ prompts Nicodemus to make the leap from normal traditional devotion, with its reasonable intentions and expectations, to the adventure of Faith that grasps, dreams and maps out the future, surpassing the habitual chain of expectations.
One does not understand the Newness of God according to common knowledge, starting with the patriarchs - or by reading it in the watermark of a normative, albeit sharable.
The new order of existence is superior to all dexterity, restraint, and resilience. That which is born from the flesh is, however, subject to all boundaries.
Vice versa, the path 'from above' creates a new personality, thanks to which we are enabled to correspond perfectly to the Calling by Name, which propose itself again wave after wave in an increasing and dissimilar manner.
Recreated by the indestructible Life that Comes, we too are enabled to generate something similar to the same Nature that gives birth to us. As sparks somehow conforming to the divine: similis sibi similem parit.
Precisely: the too normal is unable to redefine the codes of a new look, and of the inconceivable space of unknown love.
What does not coincide with the inherited ideas is actually activating the new developments.
What is contrary to established customs, or fashions, is preparing another world, a different person, another trail to follow.
The Kingdom is not set up: it is welcomed - because it always throws us off guard.
The relationship with the God of religions usually comes up with static and reassuring recipes, but the experience of Faith in Christ convinces “by Way” that each stage must instead correspond to another genesis.
Indeed, the thorny trials are all called to a leap of over-nature; to sprout again.
Birth in the Spirit does not happen once and for all: only then will living not be a reward, nor perishing a punishment.
For we have become like a Wind.
[Monday 2nd wk. in Easter, April 28, 2025]
