 |
| Peter testifies before the high priest. |
-Brian Mendonca
Today's reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents a showdown between the Pharisees and the apostles. (Acts 5: 27-33)
Placed in the Mass readings in the second week of Easter, the enactment helps us reflect on the virtue of witnessing in this world.
Referring to Jesus, the high priest says 'You intend to bring this man's blood upon us.' They are clearly afraid. They are guilty. Yet they behave with indignation as though they are innocent. They try to twist the facts.
Unfazed by this lie, Peter rebukes him saying, 'We must obey God rather than men.' He further lays the charge against the high priest telling him bluntly, 'The God of our fathers raised Jesus whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. '
What does it cost to stand up for the truth?
Today so many people are killed around us. When it matters does one give witness, like the apostles in such cases?
Today we see world leaders assassinated with impunity even in peace time. When will the world speak up? How much does it cost to voice out our condemnation of this outrage?
The truth cannot be hidden. To witness is to remember. It is this conviction that Peter is admired for.
Revathi a lady constable and a young mother of two daughters, testified against 9 police officers in Sathankulam, Tamil Nadu. She was a key witness to the custodial torture and killing of Jayaraj and his son Bennix in 2020. The officers were awarded the death sentence by a Madurai court this month.
Revathi was not afraid of saying, 'You killed them.'
Comments