In Acts 4 today, we pick up the story of Peter and John right after the healing of the crippled beggar. More on that in a moment. In our Gospel reading today from John 21, the disciples are out fishing. Remember, these guys were professional fishermen. After catching nothing all night, they see Jesus, who tells them to throw their net out on the other side of the boat. I can just hear them thinking, Oh…we’ve been fishing on the wrong side of the boat! They do as Jesus says and catch a net full of big fish!
The leaders of the temple have Peter and John thrown into the klink. They bring them before the big shots, who ask them, “By what power or by what name have you done this?” Peter then tells them that this healing has been done in the name of Jesus Christ. And then he gives them the knockout blow. “There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved.”
The name of Jesus. I have found that many people, perhaps especially Catholics, are afraid to even utter the name of Jesus. Unfortunately, not because of awe or reverence. (Quite the contrary…too many people actually use His name in vain.) I think a lot of people are afraid to even talk about Jesus because they think that other people will think they are “Jesus freaks.” But if this is the only name in heaven and on earth by which we are to be saved, don’t you think we should be shouting about it? Don’t be ashamed or afraid to proudly and loudly proclaim the name of Jesus!
Father, help us to always reverence the mighty name of Jesus. For there is no other name by which we are to be saved. Hallelujah! Amen!
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