Reflection Date: April 13, 2026 | Monday of the Second Week of Easter
Memorial of Saint Martin I, Pope and Martyr
Daily Readings: Acts 4:23-31; John 3:1-8
Children of God:
The modern “Born Again” movement became widely known in the early 20th century, especially in the United States, as part of powerful revival movements.
It emphasized a personal and emotional experience of faith, inviting people to accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.
While the idea of being “born again” comes from Scripture, the organized movement itself developed much later in history.
It was, in many ways, a response to what some believers saw as the weakening of faith in mainstream Protestant churches.
People longed for a more personal and living relationship with God.
One of the most well-known figures associated with this movement was Billy Graham, who preached to millions about the need for conversion and new life in Christ.
His message reached across nations and generations.
For many, “being born again” became a defining moment of faith.
However, Catholics need not transfer to Born Again movements to experience this new life, because the call to be born again has always been present within the life of the Church through the sacraments and the work of the Holy Spirit.
The deeper question remains: what does it truly mean to be born again? Is it only an emotional experience, or is it a lifelong transformation?
In the gospel of John, a Pharisee named Nicodemus came to Jesus at night, seeking answers.
He was a learned man, yet he struggled to understand what Jesus meant by being born again.
Jesus spoke of a new birth that comes not from human effort but from above, through water and the Spirit.
What are our inspirations for today?
First, being born again is a work of God, not just a human decision.
Nicodemus approached Jesus with curiosity and respect. He recognized that Jesus came from God because of the signs he performed.
Yet when Jesus spoke about being born again, Nicodemus became confused and took the words literally.
In the gospel of John, Jesus said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit” (John 3:5).
This revealed that new life is not something we create on our own but something God gives through grace.
In our lives, faith is not only about what we decide but about what God does within us.
Being born again is not just a one-time emotional experience.
It is a continuous transformation through the Holy Spirit, shaping our thoughts, actions, and way of life.
Second, being born again leads us to live a transformed life.
Jesus used the image of the wind to explain the work of the Spirit.
The wind blows where it wills, and we hear its sound, but we do not know where it comes from or where it goes.
In the same way, the Spirit works in ways that are often unseen but deeply real.
Jesus said, “The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John 3:8).
The new life in the Spirit, then, brings a mysterious yet powerful change.
A transformed life becomes visible through actions. When we are born again in the Spirit, we begin to love more deeply, forgive more freely, and live more faithfully.
Others may not see the process, but they will see the fruits of that transformation.
We can reflect on these questions in our hearts. Do I see my faith as a living relationship with God who continues to transform me?
Am I open to the work of the Holy Spirit even when I do not fully understand it? And in what ways does my life show signs of being renewed and changed by God’s grace?
Children of God:
The conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus reminds us that faith is both a mystery and a gift.
Being born again is not limited to a single moment but unfolds throughout our lives.
God continues to invite us into deeper renewal each day.
Like Nicodemus, we may begin with questions and confusion. Yet Christ patiently leads us toward understanding.
Our role is to remain open and responsive to God’s grace.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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