In our biblical text today, we have the second arrest of the apostles of Jesus. The Gospel of Luke informs us that this is the second phase or second attempt of the leaders in Jerusalem to get rid of the apostles and their teachings. They threaten them by commanding them to stop teaching in Jesus’ name.
God tells them to preach the message of life and those Jewish authorities tell them to be quiet. Here we see a choice to be made between listening to what God says versus listening to what those with human power say. One has to choose. The apostles come up with a different approach that completely pulls the rug out from under the old way of life. They preached boldly and Jesus confirmed their words with signs and wonders.
Peter and John were caught preaching and brought to the high priest and the entire Sanhedrin. They were arrested and put in jail. We read how God sent his angels to rescue his apostles from prison. The idea of freedom at a more universal level is echoed in the Gospel where it says that God sent his Son “so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.”
After being freed from prison, Peter and John returned to the temple and spoke their message to an enthusiastic audience. They seem to ignore their recent escape and again risked their lives for the Gospel. When the temple police came to stop them, they showed restraint “for fear of being stoned by the crowd.” The obvious sincerity of the apostles won the warm support and approval of ordinary Jews.
Likewise, in today’s gospel, Jesus emphasizes the honesty and sincerity of his message. The intuitive faith of lay people is a vital ingredient for the Church. Their upright response, their spontaneous rallying around the defenseless apostles, and their ability to call things by their right name helped the early Church in Jerusalem to grow.
But, of course, there were some who resisted the truth of Christ. The Lord describes such people as preferring darkness to light. The evangelist says that all who live by the truth “come out into the light.”
Everyone who seeks the truth is already being guided by the light of Christ, even if they are not yet aware of it. People of faith, who are open to the light of Christ, will share forever in the eternal light of the living God who made us all.
No matter what authorities we may have in this life, whether it is our government, parents, teachers, bosses, or any other human authority, we must realize that the ultimate authority belongs to God and we must obey Him over all others. Though there may be some earthly powers who may claim ultimacy, always remember the ultimate authority is always God.
These passages today explain to us that when earthly powers and the heavenly power are in conflict, our allegiance must be to God. What determines what you do? Do you act to be in the good books of others or to please God? Do you need man’s approval? What or who controls you? Where do you place your trust? If people’s opinion drives your behavior, hardly would you consistently obey God, because many times God’s will is not popular. If you are worried about what others think of you, you will never fully obey God.
I’ve often seen the fear of public rejection with many believers. They are worried of who not to offend with each decision they make. Peer Pressure? Yet, Scripture speaks:“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe” (Proverbs 29:25).
