2 April 2024 Easter Tuesday
Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.’
From Acts 2:36-41, NRSV
Today we hear again from St. Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost. Some of those in the crowd came to realise that the crucified Jesus was indeed the Messiah. They wanted to know what they could do to put right their previous failure to recognise who Jesus was. Peter tells them that they must first repent and then be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ. When Peter speaks of repentance, he does not simply mean the showing of remorse. He is speaking of “metanoia” ; reaching a new understanding and reorientation of one’s life to the values that Jesus taught and showed in his life. Only such wholescale change would prepare them for baptism in the name of Jesus and openness to the gift of the Holy Spirit. Peter then explains that this promise is not only for those listening to him but for their children, their scattered relations and everyone – that the risen Christ is truly the Lord of all.
- How easy would it have been for those listening to Peter to act on his words ?
- What part does repentance play in our lives as Christians?
Pray for all recently baptised and for those preparing for Baptism.
