In today’s first reading, we hear of Peter’s Holy Spirit-inspired preaching, and the effect it has on the people:

On the day of Pentecost, Peter said to the Jewish people, “Let the whole house of Israel know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and they asked Peter and the other Apostles, “What are we to do, my brothers?” (Acts 2:36-37)

Before we see what Peter’s response is, let’s look at a few things Peter did NOT say:

• Accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior.
• Be the best “you” that you can be!
• Take care of your mother, the Earth.
• Be nice to everyone.
• Strive for social justice.
• Nothing – you are okay just the way you are!
• Elect the right leaders.
• Be baptized in the Trindentine rite and only attend Latin Masses…and be suspicious of anything I say from now on.

No, what Peter said was, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38). We must completely change the direction of our lives in order to be saved, and the only way to do this is through God’s grace, which is why baptism is necessary. During this Easter season, let us all renew our baptismal vows, repenting of the ways we have followed the wisdom of this world rather than the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.