Review and Renew Your Vows
The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17)
As we continue to celebration the resurrection, give thanks to the Lord our God for the gift of Jesus Christ, the Ultimate Lamb. One of the descriptions of the triumphant people of God in heaven is this: “they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” That blood that was shed on Calvary is that precious! Such celebration and thanksgiving require our renewed commitment. In the Church Calendar, Easter Eve is a designated as a special service in which renewal of Baptismal vows is done; a similar service is scheduled for Friday 27th May 2022 as we commemorate the Ascension of Jesus Christ.
Have you made vows before? For most of us, if not all, the answer is: Yes. These vows may have been made formally or by implication, but they are supposed to be binding. Modern Institutional Management cherishes contracts, result oriented-ness, measuring performance, appraisals, and renewal of commitments. Some professions and public offices even demand taking oath, and these are taken very seriously. The spiritual matters should be taken even more seriously. We make vows at Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, Commissioning, Ordination, and in some Professional and Public matters. “So, help me God” is a common phrase in those vows. Today is a time to review: did you really mean it? Are you still committed to those clauses? Are you living by those commitments?
For example, at baptism and confirmation, the third question is: “Do you renounce Satan, his works and all powers of this world?” And the Candidates answer, “I renounce them all, in the Name of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” To renounce means to formally declare one’s abandonment of something or someone; to refuse or resign to continue to recognize or abide by something or some system; to reject, forsake, or to dissociate oneself completely from something. A time comes when you need to review and renew your commitment; otherwise, it is possible to veer off. Take time to review the many clauses of the different vows… it should not be done in a hurry, but meaningfully and with the due attention. And with this process, it is possible to re-establish and even deepen commitment.
In today’s key reading, Apostle Peter was called to this renewal. This is the best way to celebrate what our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ did for us on the cross. No matter your position – whether as Bishop or Apostle, Priest or Pastor, Deacon or Lay Minister, as one leading Bible study, intercession, worship, discipleship, children’s church, or just leading your house church, and in whichever denomination you may be, it is important to review and renew your vows to deepen commitment.
God bless you as you all!