But there was a man, a Pharisee, called Nicodemus, a leader amongst the Jews.

He came to him by night, and said to him: ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God. For no one can do the signs that you do, unless God was with him.’ Jesus replied, ‘Truly, truly I say to you, unless someone is born from above (again), they cannot see the kingdom of God.’

Nicodemus said to him ‘How can someone be born who is old? They can’t re-enter their mother’s womb, can they?’ Jesus answered ‘Truly, truly I say to you, unless someone is born of water and spirit they cannot enter the kingdom of God. What is born of flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I say to you “It is necessary for you all to born from above (again).” The wind (Spirit) blows where it wishes and you hear its sound, but you do not know whence it comes and whither it is going. It is the same with everyone who is born from the Spirit.’

Thank you, dear Jesus,
for all you have given me,
for all you have taken away from me,
for all you have left me.

Thomas More (c.1478-1535)