WE MUST BE BORN AGAIN ~ CookingFood.Org

“RISEN WITH CHRIST”

Easter Reflections

Monday, 24^thApril 2017.

Second Week of Easter

Acts 4:23-31

Ps 2:1-9,13

Jn 3:1-8

WE MUST BE BORN AGAIN

Many of us know God by a second hand experience. We know about Him, from what we have heard about Him from others, or what we have read about Him in books, etc. A second-hand information about God in no way helps us to enjoy the sweetness of the Lord. We experience this sweetness, only by experiencing Him first hand, being born again. It is through surrendering to that sweetness, to God’s transforming Love, that we become anew. Then, Darkness is overshadowed by light, Death becomes life, Division becomes unity, Enslavement is now freedom, Fear is turned to faith, Hatred to love, Sorrow to joy.

Are you born again? This is a common question among many Charismatic and Protestant Christians. But it’s a question that we should ask ourselves also. So are you Born Again? Hopefully each one of us answers that question with a wholehearted “Yes!” Scripture is clear that we must receive a new birth in Christ. The old self must die and the new self must be reborn. This is what it means to become a Christian. We take on a new life in Christ.

Being born again happens by water and the Holy Spirit. It happens in baptism. When we are baptized we enter into the waters and die with Christ. As we rise from the waters we are reborn in Him. As a result of our baptism, we are adopted into the very life of the Most Holy Trinity. Baptism is a sacrament that has an ongoing and eternal effect in our lives. It implants an indelible character upon our souls. This “character” is a constant source of grace in our lives. It is like a well of grace that never goes dry. From this well we are constantly nourished and renewed to live out the dignity we are called to live. We are given from this well the grace we need to live as sons and daughters of our Father in Heaven.

Easter is a time more than any when we are called to renew this Sacrament. Holy water is a good way to do just that. Perhaps the next time you are at church it would be good to consciously remind yourself of your baptism, and the dignity and grace you have been given through this sacrament, by making a sign of the cross on your forehead with holy water. Baptism has made you into a new creation. Seek to both understand and live that new life you have been given during this Easter season.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I renew today my baptism. I forever renounce sin and profess my faith in Christ Jesus Your Son. Give me the grace I need to live out the dignity to which I have been called. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.