In less than three weeks, hundreds of thousands of catechumens will be baptized on Easter Vigil. At that time, the billion Catholics in the world will be asked to renew their baptismal promises. In preparation for this greatest event of the year, the Church will read to us on Easter Vigil how the Lord used the waters of the Red Sea to free His people after their Exodus. On Good Friday, the Church will also read in the Liturgy of the Passion how blood and water miraculously flowed from the side of the crucified, dead, and pierced Jesus (Jn 19:34). Today the Church proclaims Ezekiel's prophecy of the miraculous, world-changing river flowing from God's Temple (Ez 47:1ff). In today's Gospel reading, we hear of the miraculous healing pool of Bethesda (Jn 5:1ff). The Church is proclaiming through the Scriptures that the Lord has done and has promised to do His greatest works through water. Truly the waters of Baptism are among His greatest works. Therefore, our most important decision in life is to give our lives totally to Jesus and thereby live our Baptisms.

Fast and pray in preparation for the renewal of your baptismal promises. Go to Confession. Forgive and be forgiven (see Mt 6:12). Obey God, especially in the most difficult circumstances. Prepare to renew your baptismal promises.

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