Peter’s Call: Repent, be Baptized, Receive God’s Life – Apr 07 – Homily – Fr Michael

 

Fr Michael gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Apr 07, 2026, explaining St. Peter's call in Acts to repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit's gift of God's life through Jesus' Resurrection, urging listeners to grow in grace, overcome sin, and become pillars of faith for future generations like the early disciples.

In his homily, Fr. Michael focuses on St. Peter's words from Acts, where he tells people to repent, get baptized in Jesus' name, and receive the Holy Spirit—the very life of God. This gift comes from Jesus' death and Resurrection, entering our souls through Baptism like a "soul of the soul." We grow this supernatural life through kindness, the Eucharist, Confession, and good works, just as a baby grows. Peter warns to "save yourselves from this corrupt generation," offering God's grace to beat sin, unlike Israel's repeated falls into idolatry. Fr. Michael recalls Mary Magdalene recognizing the risen Jesus, showing how love helps us grow fast in faith. We're called to mature spiritually, build a strong foundation, and pass on the faith to others before Jesus returns.

Acts 2:38 – Peter's Baptism Holy Spirit call – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/2?38
John 20:15 – Magdalene recognizes risen Jesus – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/20?15
CCC 1213 – Baptism basis Christian life – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1213.htm
CCC 1265 – Baptism confers Holy Spirit – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1265.htm
CCC 1996 – Grace justifies God's life – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1996.htm

00:00 - St. Peter’s Call to Repentance
00:44 - The Gift of the Holy Spirit
01:27 - The Supernatural Life of Grace
02:15 - The Remedy for Sin
03:10 - Salvation History and Idolatry
04:09 - Mary Magdalene and Spiritual Growth
05:04 - Our Responsibility to Future Generations
06:14 - Maturing in the Faith

Ave Maria!

Mass: Tuesday of Easter Week - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/040726.cfm
1st: Acts 2:36-41
Resp: Psalms 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22
Gsp: John 20:11-18

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1778

Also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SihaIgD34Pc