‘Baptism joins us to the Risen Christ’
CHARLOTTE — Easter is a perfect time to make a “New Year’s resolution” to deepen our relationship with Christ, Bishop Peter Jugis preached during the Easter Vigil Mass April 9 at St. Patrick Cathedral.
At Easter, new Catholics are baptized into the Church and every Catholic is reminded of their baptism when they are sprinkled with holy water, Bishop Jugis noted.
Baptism brings new life in Christ, he said, and “celebrating baptism at Eastertime shows the full meaning of Jesus’ Resurrection.
“Baptism joins us to Christ, the Risen Christ, and we begin to experience His own resurrected life in us – turning away from sin, living in His grace, living a new life.”
Just as Jesus was victorious over sin and death through His Resurrection, Bishop Jugis said, “we carry Christ’s victory over sin and death within us.
“We live in Christ, a life of faith and holiness that is destined to last forever.”
“If ever there is a time to make a new resolution, to live faithfully our commitment to Christ and our Christian life, Easter – as we recall our own baptism and the new life we receive in Him – is a great time to make a new beginning in Christ.”
He prayed, “With Easter joy let us celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, who says: ‘Behold, I am with you always, even until the end of the world.’”
— Patricia L. Guilfoyle. Photos by Troy Hull and Liz Chandler.
More photos from the Easter Vigil at St. Patrick Cathedral:
