Baptism & Courage to Witness to the Truth – Apr 13 – Homily – Fr Joseph Michael

 

Fr Joseph Michael delivers the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Apr 13, 2026, emphasizing baptism's spiritual rebirth through the Holy Spirit's transformative guidance and the exemplary courage of Pope St. Martin I in defending the Church's teachings against heresy.

In his homily, Fr. Joseph Michael explains that, as Jesus teaches in the Gospel, baptism is essential for entering God's Kingdom, for being born anew through the Holy Spirit, who lives in our souls, sanctifies us, and guides us in serving God. Just as we can't predict the wind, the Spirit's path can surprise us, so we must listen and follow Him, especially renewing our baptismal promises this Easter season. He also honors Pope St. Martin I, the last martyred pope, who bravely opposed the heresy denying Christ's human will and endured kidnapping, trial, exile, and death rather than compromise the faith, inspiring us to defend the truth today.

CCC 1213 – Baptism's regenerative necessity – https://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c1a1.htm#1213
CCC 1266 – Holy Spirit in the baptized – https://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c1a1.htm#1265
CCC 475 – Christ's human and divine wills – https://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p122a3p1.htm#475
Catholic Encyclopedia: Monothelitism – Heresy denying human will – https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10502a.htm

00:00 - Introduction to Baptismal Rebirth
00:52 - The Holy Spirit as Our Guide
01:39 - Renewal of Baptismal Promises
02:12 - Life and Martyrdom of Pope St. Martin I
02:32 - Defending the Two Wills of Christ
03:34 - Seeking Courage Through St. Martin's Intercession

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Martin I - Opt Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=1015
Readings: Monday 2nd Week of Easter - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/041326.cfm
1st: Acts 4:23-31
Resp: Psalms 2:1-3, 4-6, 7-9
Gsp: John 3:1-8

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1056&r=1783

Also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ykfCXLblJs