“We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)
Peter and the apostles had been arrested again. The Sanhedrin, the powerful religious council of Jerusalem, was outraged: “We gave you strict orders to stop teaching in that name.” But the apostles would not be silenced. Peter responded with courage and clarity: “We must obey God rather than men.” He proclaimed Jesus—the one they crucified, whom God has now exalted as “leader and savior.” Though threatened and dishonored, the apostles left rejoicing that they were found worthy to suffer for the Name. This is a moment of defiant faith and holy joy in the face of persecution.
There’s something electric in Peter’s words: “We must obey God rather than men.” That kind of boldness doesn’t come from personality—it comes from Pentecost. The same Peter who once denied Jesus now stands before the highest court of his people and refuses to back down. Why? Because he has seen the Risen Lord. Because the Holy Spirit had filled him with power from on high. And because the mission was too urgent, the message too glorious, to remain silent.
Pope Francis tells us that “evangelization with joy becomes beauty in the liturgy” and in all of life. In Evangelii Gaudium, he urges us not to be “sourpusses” or timid Christians, but to be missionary disciples who speak boldly of Jesus with joy and love. “The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus”.
In his Catechesis on Acts, Pope Francis reflects on this very scene, reminding us that persecution is not a sign of failure—it is the seal of authenticity. He calls this courage parrhesia, a Spirit-filled boldness that refuses to be cowed by human opposition.
Bishop Ruggieri has called us to look again at the Church of Acts—not as an unreachable ideal, but as a model for today. And this Sunday, we are reminded that Sunday itself is meant to form us in this very boldness. When we gather at the Eucharist, we encounter the risen Christ who strengthens us to proclaim Him beyond the walls of the church. We are not just attendees- we are witnesses, sent into a world desperate for hope, aching for truth.
The apostles rejoiced because suffering for Jesus meant they were truly His. They didn’t suffer instead of joy- they found joy in the suffering. That’s the paradox of discipleship. And that is the joy that changes the world.
Let us be a parish where no one is ashamed of the Gospel. Let us speak His name—not just in church, but in the streets, in our homes, in our workplaces. Let us stand up, even when it costs us something, because we must obey God rather than men.
Questions
Holy Spirit, set us ablaze. Give us the boldness to speak, the joy to endure, and the love to proclaim the Name above all names: Jesus.