risen jesus, i do!
"Are you not aware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?" —Romans 6:3
To know the risen Christ in a life-changing, death-conquering way, we must be baptized in His name (Acts 2:38). If we are already baptized, we must renew our Baptisms and live them. In this way, we become aware that we "have been raised up in company with Christ" (Col 3:1). In Baptism, we know the risen Christ.
Therefore, on this first day of the Easter season, at every Mass in the world, the Church calls us to renew our baptismal promises. When we answer "I do" to these questions, we, by God's grace, are making the greatest commitment we have ever made and the greatest commitment possible for a human being to make. In preparation for this great event, we have been doing penance, giving alms, praying, and fasting for the forty days of Lent.
So today, let us meet the risen Jesus, as we make the supreme act of faith in renewing our baptismal promises. Throughout the world, the Church has been doing this for two-thousand years. Millions have met, known, and loved the risen Lord through living their Baptisms. On this Easter Sunday, believe, say "I do," and live the new life in the risen Lord. Happy Resurrection Day!
Prayer: Father, risen Son, and Holy Spirit, I do believe in You with all my heart.
Promise: "He saw and believed." —Jn 20:8
Praise: Alleluia! Jesus is risen from the dead! "This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it" (Ps 118:24). Alleluia forever!
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 1, 2016
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.