“Didn’t we tell you to sit down and shut up! Why can’t you stop talking about that Jesus guy and mind your own business?” I’m paraphrasing the complaint of the Jewish Authorities in our first reading today. The apostles have been brought before the most powerful men of Israel; the same group that orchestrated the crucifixion of Jesus. To defy them further would mean being cut off from the Jewish faith and community. It might also result in death. St. Peter boldly answers, “We must obey God rather than men”. In other words, “we can’t do what you are asking, even if we wanted to. You are asking us to choose between what God wants and what you want. We are going to take our chances and follow the God who raised Jesus from the dead.”
This bold response might not be so remarkable if it wasn’t the polar opposite of what we saw previously from Peter and the gang. Two months ago they all abandoned Jesus when he was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. Peter denied him three times and only John was present as he hung on the cross. After Jesus died, they were all hiding in a locked room fearful, confused, and defeated. Not exactly the leaders we would have chosen to spearhead a new and controversial religion! Fifty days later, after a few visits from the risen Christ and the transforming gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, these weak, cowardly, hard-headed men are bravely preaching the message of Christ regardless of how uncomfortable it makes people and boldly defying the authorities command to sit down and shut up. They are thrown in prison and beaten for their defiance and instead of putting them in their place, get this, they rejoice that they get to suffer for the name of Jesus!
If we didn’t know any better, we might wonder if these were the same people. What a change?! Of course, this is not just the result of some good self-help book or incredible will-power. This is the work of the Holy Spirit, which explains why such a small group of simple men and women were able to change the world in such a short amount of time.
Behind the transformation of Jesus’ followers was a relationship. They had been with Christ for several years before his passion and death. They had gotten to know him and he knew them more deeply and personally than they thought possible. Jesus loved his followers with a love that was literally out of this world and after the resurrection, they realized that not even death could destroy His care for them. This relationship would live forever and was open to every single person. In light of this Good News, because of their friendship with the Son of God, they couldn’t keep their mouth shut, even if they tried. They cannot wait to share what they have received with other people so they too can be transformed. To have experienced a relationship with Jesus Christ and then remain quiet about it and not share the Good News with others would be cowardly and selfish.
Yet, so often, this is exactly what our society tells Christians to do! We are commanded to sit down and shut up about our faith, to keep it to ourselves so we don’t rock the boat or make others uncomfortable. How many Christians comply?! How many believers shrug their shoulders and quietly go about their business, effectively going undercover in regards to their faith in order to appease worldly powers and authority. This homily is not a condemnation! Even the apostles struggled through this! But it is a calling out, a challenge to ask ourselves if we have a living relationship with Christ. Who or what we serve? Who do we listen to?
Am I a Christian who has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? Do I talk to him as a friend or more like an unforgiving boss? Do I acknowledge that he has saved me and is present in my life? Am I proud to be associated with him or is it something I try to downplay or even hide? Am I in love with him or have I chosen to be indifferent, in love with things or myself? Finally, do I believe that Jesus wants to love me and know me in a unique and personal way? Do I even want that sort of relationship with him or do I prefer to keep things superficial and only do the bare minimum that might get me into heaven?
If an outsider were to look at my life and decisions, who would they think I serve? Would they see me as an apostle? Someone who speaks the truth of Jesus, in season and out of season, when it is popular and when it is controversial? Would they know that I am a friend of God and loyal to his teachings? Would they see an example of humility, joy, love, mercy, and compassion?
If you are a cradle Catholic or have been a Christian for as long as you can remember, take ownership of your faith. Choose deliberately to follow Christ, don’t just believe because that was what your family did. Dare to have a personal, living relationship with Jesus Christ; if you know how to be friends with people (and I believe all of you do), use the same skills to build a friendship with God. Let your faith move from your brain to your heart and if you believe that you have been saved by Christ’s death and resurrection, don’t forget to tell your face! Your joy should be apparent, even without words. Last but not least, decide who you will serve. We can only have one master and there is lots of competition for our loyalty. It’s important that we consciously decide who we will serve and that we say it out loud, just like Peter and the apostles did in our first reading. I hope that you will exclaim, just as they did, “We must obey God rather than men.”
