St. Paul preached that Jesus' Resurrection was referred to in "the second psalm, ‘You are My Son; this day I have begotten You' " (Acts 13:33; see Ps 2:7). Paul implied that Jesus' Resurrection was a new birth in which Jesus was designated as the eternal Son of God (see Rm 1:4). This shows why the Church has connected the celebration of Jesus' Resurrection with the new birth of Baptism and with renewal of the baptismal promises. If we fully accept God's grace in this Easter season, the Spirit will cry out in our hearts "Abba" ("Father") (Gal 4:6; Rm 8:15). We will be confirmed as baptized sons and daughters of God the Father.
As we become increasingly aware of our identity as God's children "begotten from above" (Jn 3:3), we dare to pray with and in Jesus that our Father give us "the nations for an inheritance and the ends of the earth" for our possession (Ps 2:8). We then claim our inheritance by making "disciples of all the nations" (Mt 28:19). We become witnesses for the risen Jesus (Acts 1:8), the uniquely begotten Son of God (see Jn 3:16).
Sons and daughters of God, keep renewing and living your new birth and new life to give birth to a new world (see Ps 104:30).
| PRAYER: | Father, may I know who I am in Christ and act accordingly. |
| PROMISE: | "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Have faith in God and faith in Me." –Jn 14:1 |
| PRAISE: | The quiet time Joyce spends listening in adoration has been the most enjoyable time in her otherwise busy life. |
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