St. George
Acts 4: 13-21
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus. When they saw the man who had been cured standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition.
So they ordered them to leave the council while they discussed the matter with one another. They said, “What will we do with them? For it is obvious to all who live in Jerusalem that a notable sign has been done through them; we cannot deny it. But to keep it from spreading further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” So they called them and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; for we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard.” After threatening them again, they let them go, finding no way to punish them because of the people, for all of them praised God for what had happened.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Living in the Light of the Resurrection
The educated, rich, and powerful live such fragile, fearful lives, don’t they? When not used in direct service to God’s most vulnerable people, our lives become insulated and detached from human suffering, and the need to oppress others dominates. We see this in the United States with sensitive issues like systemic racism, critical race theory, voter suppression, border protection, and gun control.
But the boldness of Peter and John lights our way! In the afterglow of the Resurrection, they are unstoppable and unafraid. Today let us ask:
In what ways do I live like the Sadducees and high priests and in what ways do I live like Peter and John?
In the light of the resurrection and what I have “seen and heard” – in light of my Jesuit or Ignatian experiences – how do people recognize me as a “companion of Jesus”?
How is Jesus inviting me to change?
—Sue Robb is the Pastoral Associate for Justice & Life at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Kansas City, Missouri.
Prayer
Jesus, I want to be recognized as your companion. Embolden my faith and show me the walls I have built that keep me from walking in solidarity with my sisters and brothers in need. Amen.
—Sue Robb