Kristofer and “How can these things be?”

“How can these things be?” 

In today’s video, Kristofer reflects on the transformative encounter between Jesus and the Pharisee as they discuss what it means to be “born again”. While countless others have wrestled with what this question means theologically, Kristofer’s musings in this video focus on what this means for us in our common life as St. Francis - particularly as it relates to the day to day work of our Community Center. As thousands in Baltimore County are facing profound economic hardships due to the pandemic, we have an opportunity to be born again as an organization so that we can do the work that our mission calls us to in a more significant way. This work of justice, love, and humility is deeper than just getting much needed funding in the hands of our neighbors who are facing eviction. This work is about building relationships, asking questions and listening in a way that leads to greater clarity and connection. And as we build these relationships, it is about discovering new ways that God is calling us to action as a wider community in the areas of housing, food, education, and the environment. The Spirit is moving in a powerful way and calling us to follow. You may wonder “how can these things be”, and that is ok. Like Nicodemus, we all have questions as we wrestle with the deeper realities of what it means to be born anew as St. Francis Episcopal Parish & Community Center.

John 3:1-15

There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?”