because he did, i do
"Let us celebrate the feast not with the old yeast, that of corruption and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." —1 Corinthians 5:8
Alleluia! Jesus is risen! He's alive! Alleluia forever! "This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it" (Ps 118:24).
On this greatest day of the year, Christians in every Catholic church in the world are challenged to renew their baptismal promises. Renewing our baptismal promises applies the reality of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection to our personal lives now. The six proclamations of "I do" — our response to the six questions of the baptismal promises — express the greatest commitment a human being can make. All the hosts of heaven, all the saints in heaven, and many saints on earth will witness the renewal of our baptismal promises.
Satan himself will be well aware of our renouncing Him, all His works, and all His empty promises. He will hate us for rejecting him and will seek revenge if we give him an opportunity by falling into sin.
The renewal of our baptismal promises is our ultimate commitment, by which we make the resurrection not only a past event but a present, life-changing, world-transforming reality.
Prayer: Jesus, these six responses of "I do" will be an even greater commitment than the "I do" of any marriage. Jesus risen, I do live for You; I do die for You; I do live forever with You.
Promise: "Set your heart on what pertains to higher realms where Christ is seated at God's right hand. Be intent on things above rather than on things of earth." —Col 3:1-2
Praise: Praise to the risen Jesus Who lives forevermore! Alleluia!
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 3, 2008
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