Live Supernaturally So Others See God – Apr 14 – Homily – Fr Michael

Fr. Michael emphasizes the Gospel's theme of being born again through baptism, receiving sanctifying grace that enables eternal life as children of God. Drawing from St. Augustine, he contrasts natural birth from the womb with spiritual birth from water and the Holy Spirit. Jesus teaches Nicodemus this mystery, which is imperceptible like the wind but evident in its effects—miracles, the early Church's transformation, and saints' heroic virtue. Faith, the highest science, perfects reason and aligns with empirical evidence of Christ's historical life and works. Though baptism imparts supernatural life, concupiscence remains, requiring growth in virtue via sacraments, especially the Eucharist, which nourishes the soul. Christians must live supernaturally, loving God and neighbors, even enemies, as the fulfillment of the greatest commandment. If the world cannot "see" God through our lives, as they did in the early Church ("See how they love one another"), baptism's purpose is lost. We mature spiritually like infants, using God-given intellect and will to reflect divine life visibly.

USCCB John 3:5 – Born water Spirit baptism – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/3?5
CCC 1213 – Baptism basis Christian life – https://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c1a1.htm
CCC 1996 – Grace participation divine life – https://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c3a2.htm#ii
New Advent Baptism – Encyclopedia sacramental rebirth – http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02258b.htm
Catholic Answers Born Again – Baptism biblical meaning – https://www.catholic.com/tract/born-again-in-baptism

00:00 - The Principle of Eternal Life
00:48 - Born of Water and the Spirit
01:36 - Nicodemus and the Mystery of Baptism
02:15 - Faith as the Highest Science
03:40 - Reason, Miracles, and Historical Evidence
06:01 - The Challenge of Loving Our Neighbor
07:00 - Growing in the Spiritual Life
08:22 - Living as Witnesses to the World