Words From Father Yohanes: The Phenomenon of Nicodemism

By Father Yohanes Akoit

Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin. He was known as a wise man who obeyed the law. His name appears only in the Gospel of St. John. He first appears in John

3:13-17 and in two other instances. We do not find the story of Nicodemus in the Synoptic Gospels. And according to John’s account, Nicodemus came to Jesus at night. He wanted to learn

about Jesus and His teachings. But at the same time, he was,afraid of the people because of his status in society and his religious position. People regarded him as a teacher and spiritual

leader, which placed him in difficult situations. On one hand, he wanted to follow Jesus; on the other hand, it was not easy for him to abandon his status and privileges. Because of this inner

conflict, Nicodemus chose to visit Jesus at night when fewer people would see him.

Nicodemus’s encounter with Jesus marked a turning point in his life. From that moment on, he became a disciple - choosing to believe and remain faithful in serving Jesus. His transformation was evident: he spoke up in defense of Jesus before the high priests and Pharisees, and later, he joined Joseph of Arimathea in preparing Jesus’ body for burial. Through Nicodemus, we discover a powerful truth: a personal meeting with Jesus has the power to awaken faith and strengthen our commitment to live itout with courage and devotion.

Nicodemus’s personal experience later became a broader reflection in society. His story inspired a movement among people. There are many ways to interpret the inspiration Nicodemus

offers. One way is to view it from a spiritual perspective. During the Middle Ages, many people who faced pressure because of their faith found strength in Nicodemus’s example. This movement became known as Nicodemism. It showed that spiritual faithfulness could be preserved with wisdom, even in difficult situations. In scholastic philosophy, medieval thinkers gave deeper meaning to the idea of Nicodemism by reflecting on how a person could unite faith and reason. Nicodemus became a symbol of balance. His example showed that true faith does not always need to be loud or visible - it can live quietly in the heart and be expressed through wise action.

The phenomenon of Nicodemism continues to evolve. Today, we may not see it as a conflict between faith and reason, but it still exists in modern contexts. It appears in different situations.

For example, it may be experienced by those in mixed-faith marriages. They must cultivate the virtue of wisdom to balance their lives, living with two different religions under one roof. It

can also affect people who struggle to choose between attending weekday Mass and fulfilling work obligations. Many find it difficult to adjust their schedules, often choosing work over

daily Mass. This makes sense, since we can’t always leave our jobs just to attend weekday services. A wise approach is to carry the longing for weekday Mass and fulfill it during Sunday

worship. Others may experience Nicodemism in the form of physical distance - they simply cannot attend weekday Mass because they live too far from the church. Some experience it through health challenges. They deeply long for Jesus, but their situation does not allow them to come.

We pray for all those who experience the phenomenon of Nicodemism. We offer special intentions for them, that when they come to Jesus, they may be blessed by God with the grace they need for life. We sincerely ask God that the experience of Nicodemus becomes their experience. Even if their faith is quiet and unseen, may its fruits lead them to salvation.

Father Yohanes Akoit is pastor of St. Julian and St. Anthony Catholic churches in Kentucky.