If the Transfiguration was celebrated at the end of Epiphany, John’s Gospel may be used on this Sunday.
“Born again” in Greek wording, is literally “from above,” as in “from the top!” John’s gospel uses this play on words to describe baptism. This “second birth” is in fact receiving God’s own life from him: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” Only by receiving this new life can we see our way clear to God’s will.
Nicodemus, a Pharisee and “ruler of the Jews” represents the very best Judaism had to offer, and yet cannot see past the earthly valence of these words: “Born twice” instead of “from above.” His nocturnal visit indicates that he is emerging from darkness into the light of the truth (and later in the Gospel we see Jesus gets through to him). In the same way, we in our spiritual walks are emerging from the darkness of our own understanding and into the light of truth by holding to Christ in his Word and Sacraments.
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