Paul preached that Jesus' resurrection from the dead 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 our renewal of the baptismal promises. If we fully accept God's grace in this Easter season of the Great Jubilee, 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 in this year of the Great Jubilee (see Ps 104:30).

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, October 4, 1999

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 12, 1999