John Henry Newman (1801-1890),  was a celebrated theologian, writter and professor. He was a Protestant, an Anglican minister.  But in his studies, he became convinced that the Catholic religion was the one true religion. So he decided to become a Catholic. He knew that this would have consequences. He would loose his place at Oxford, he would loose many of his friends,  and he would cause pain and embarassment to his own family.  Looking at his life, we see that choosing Jesus can be challenging, and have painful consequences. Choosing Jesus makes us leave our own comfort zone,  and head into unchartered terrain.  In today’s gospel, we meet Nicodemus for the first time.  He is a Pharisee,  a faithful Jew,  a member of the ruling class;  everybody who knows him, admires him and respects him.  Nicodemus has heard of Jesus and know he wants to meet him personally.  He meets up with him at night, and they have a long conversation.  Nicodemus’s life will never be the same again after this meeting with Jesus. We find Nicodemus on two more occasions in the gospels, Nicodemus who is a Pharisee, will defend Jesus publicly, when others  condemn him;  and when the apostles have fled after the crucifiction,  he will arange Jeusus’ burial. Like John Henry Newman, Nicodemus opted for the truth wih all  accepted consequences.  The man who was afraid to be seen with Jesus by daylight, is now willing to riskl everything for Jesus. What did Jesus say to him that changed his life?  maybe it was the words of Jesus:  “God so loved the world that he sent his only Son to be our saviour, and those  who believe in him, would have eternal life.  The same Jesus who listened to Nicodemus’ question, listens to my questions and to your questions.  What do we want to ask him?  Jesus is waiting, and he will give the answer. Let us listen to Him

Mother’s Day: Today is very appropriate that we speak about self-giving love, because if there is one person in our lives who consistently fits this description, that person is our mothers.  Our mothers have made us laugh and made us cry, wiped out tears hugged us tight, watched us succeed seen us fail, cheered us on and kept us going strong, she was our housekeeper, our best friend, our teacher, our guide and bank manager. Today we say to all our mothers whether here on in heaven. Thank you for being there, thank you for caring and listening and helping us to find that peace and happiness we all yearn for.