During the 1960s many Americans pressed for civil rights through civil disobedience. They broke the laws they thought were unjust to force the creation of new laws. As a result, greater freedoms came for all Americans.

When Peter and John preached the good news of the resurrection, they were arrested and stood trial before the Sanhedrin. They had disobeyed the law. The rulers had asked them not to talk about Jesus, buy they “filled Jerusalem” with their teaching.

In reply, Peter and John did a very clever thing. They preached bout Jesus to the Sanhedrin. “God exalted Jesus as leader and savior to grant forgiveness of sins,” they said. They disobeyed the law again, right in the face of the legislators.

The religious freedom that exists in most countries of the world came at a dear price. Believers spoke out in the face of oppression. Many of them suffered imprisonment. Some of them died. But their cause has endured. One of the most basic human rights is to speak about what one believes.

There may be times when your faith prompts you to speak up. You may put yourself at risk by doing so. You may be criticized. You may even be arrested. But you will have the happiness that comes from beliefs so strong they cannot be kept quiet.

Written by Paul Turner. Liturgy Training Publications
Copyright 2003, Archdiocese of Chicago