Friday within the Octave of Easter
(Acts 4:1-12; John 21:1-14)
Speaking truth to power often puts
one in danger. Martin Luther King, Jr.,
did it continually and died by an assassin’s bullet. Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador also
spoke up on behalf of the poor and likewise was martyred. Both of these contemporary prophets were, no
doubt, inspired by Peter’s speech in today’s first reading.
Jewish authorities are harassing
Peter for having invoked the name of Jesus.
They cannot tolerate the invocation because they had Jesus
executed. Peter, however, cannot help but
proclaim the resurrection for all that it means to humanity. As he says, God raised Jesus from the dead
and there is no salvation other than in him.
Peter publicly pronounces Jesus’ salvation four other times in the Acts
of the Apostles. Not surprisingly then,
Peter suffers martyrdom for so boldly declaring the primary Christian message.
All of us will have an opportunity
to speak truth to power. Sometimes we
cannot avoid doing it because a life may be at stake or because the truth has
transcendent importance. When we engage in
the endeavor, we should prepare ourselves well. Accuracy and conciseness about what we say are
critical. We want to achieve our purpose.
This means leaving what is superfluous or unnecessarily polemical. Then we must ready ourselves to endure
repercussions. However, if we know what
we are talking about and say it with prudence, we may convince at least some of
the powerful people who oppose us.
Finally, we want to pray for assistance.
Jesus promises his disciples his continued presence when they speak what
he teaches.
