Why we must not backdown on our evangelization.

We must speak about what we have seen and heard. 

"Observing the boldness of Peter and John and perceiving them to be uneducated, ordinary men, the ­leaders, elders, and scribes were amazed, and they recognized them as the companions of Jesus.

"Then when they saw the man who had been cured standing there with them, they could say nothing in reply. 

"So they ordered them to leave the Sanhedrin, and conferred with one another, saying, “What are we to do with these men? Everyone living in Jerusalem knows that a remarkable sign was done through them, and we cannot deny it. But so that it may not be spread any further among the people, let us give them a stern warning never again to speak to anyone in this name.”

"So they called them back and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

"Peter and John, however, said to them in reply, “Whether it is right in the sight of God for us to obey you rather than God, you be the judges. It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.”

"After threatening them further, they released them, finding no way to punish them, on account of the people who were all praising God for what had happened."  (Acts 4: 13 - 21).

Saturday 15th April 2023, Easter Saturday in the Octave of the Solemnity of Easter.

Why does God use the weak and unlearned people to produce the amazement that leads to faith and conversion? The answer is in the chosen Scripture of today. Imagine two rustic and uneducated men from the fishing community standing before the Supreme Court of Israel and arguing why the Church is from God. This is exactly what Peter and John did in the first Reading of today. Their argument before the Supreme Court was forceful enough. Now comes the checkmate.

"Then when they saw the man who had been cured standing there with them, they could say nothing in reply." (Acts 4: 14). The Justices became speechless. But that wasn't the end. Peter and John drove a nail into the coffin of the proud argument of the Justices who dared to raise their voice against the Holy Spirit:

"Peter and John, however, said to them in reply, “Whether it is right in the sight of God for us to obey you rather than God, you be the judges. It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4: 19-20).

My brethren, the current tumult over the rights of Christians to practice the faith freely and openly presents a great opportunity to bear witness to the truth we hold dear. 

That is the answer. Pray to God to release His Holy Spirit so that we can fulfil the mandate of Jesus Christ. 

“Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?" (Luke 24: 38).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com