Tuesday within the
Octave of Easter
(Acts 2:36-41; John 20:11-18)
The word “heartbleed” sounds like the description of a
romantic but actually is used to name a defect in Internet operations. The recently discovered defect compromises
the security of passwords which everyone uses to identify her or himself in Internet
transactions. As critical as passwords are
for computer use, the first reading shows the apostle Peter proposing a new identification
– a new password – even more important for the people of Jerusalem.
Peter is speaking on the day of Pentecost, fifty days
after Christ’s resurrection. He boldly tells
the people of their responsibility for the unjust crucifixion of Jesus. He also offers them a way to forgiveness for
the crime. He urges them to be baptized
in the name of the same Jesus Christ. More
than exonerating the Jews, baptism in Jesus’ name promises them the Holy
Spirit. This gratuitous gift will enable
them to live in holy, loving ways that secure them on the road to eternal life.
We who call ourselves “Christians” should not betray the
name that has been handed on to us. It
indicates not just a preference but a faith in the incarnation and resurrection
of the Son of God. It promises us as
well the Holy Spirit who is lifting us out of the messy world of sin into the
higher realm of virtue and grace.
