Yesterday we remembered how Jesus suffered and died for us. It was a demonstration of the greatest love that a person can have for his friends. The cross, seen just with human eyes, was a disastrous end to the life of a good person. Yet, seen with the eyes of faith, it is a moment of glory as John's gospel clearly asserts. Jesus, in his death, did not go into oblivion but passed through death to the glory of his Father and, in the process, opened up a new life for all who identify with him. It is the great Passover through death to a life without end. In the readings we are reminded of the first Passover as Yahweh rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to a new life in the Promised Land. For us, there is an even greater Passover, symbolised for each one of us by the waters of Baptism, by which we enter into a very special life in the company of brothers and sisters who form the Risen Body of the Lord. It is a time for us, first, to give a special welcome to those who will join our communities by being baptised this evening and, second, to renew our total and unconditional commitment to the Way of Jesus and the building of his Kingdom on earth as in heaven.