When Nicodemus talked of signs and wonders, Jesus spoke of Baptism, of being begotten of water and Spirit. When Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman, He promised her the "living water" of Baptism, a fountain within her "leaping up to provide eternal life" (Jn 4:10, 14). Even when the dead body of Jesus was hanging on the cross, His body language spoke of Baptism, as blood and water flowed from His pierced side (Jn 19:34). Before Jesus ascended, He gave the Church the "great commission" to make disciples of all nations and baptize them (see Mt 28:19). Before Jesus ascended, He also promised: "Within a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 1:5). Then the Church was born when three thousand were baptized on the first Christian Pentecost (Acts 2:41). In the fifth from the last verse of the Bible, Jesus again refers to Baptism when He invites us to "accept the gift of life-giving water" (Rv 22:17).
The Church got Jesus' point. Therefore, on the greatest day of the year, Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday, in every Mass and every Catholic church in the world, we are invited to renew our baptismal promises. Live your Baptism. This is Jesus' will and the meaning of our lives.
| PRAYER: | Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I believe in You. By Your grace, I reject Satan, all his works, and all his empty promises. |
| PROMISE: | "The place where they were gathered shook as they prayed. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak God's word with confidence." –Acts 4:31 |
| PRAISE: | St. Peter zealously ministered to the sick. His caring love for the ill bore great fruit as he led many families to faith in Jesus. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College