HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 2ND WEEK OF EASTER (1)

HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 2ND WEEK OF EASTER

THEME: Religious Freedom

BY: Fr. Gerald M. Musa

HOMILY FOR THURSDAY APRIL 28 2022

The Apostles were arrested again and brought before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish authorities). The Jewish authorities accused the Apostles of filling Jerusalem with the teaching about Jesus and fixing the guilt of the death of Jesus upon the authorities. Peter and the Apostles replied with a memorable statement, “Obedience to God comes before obedience to men” (Acts of the Apostles 5:29). This statement was a gentle and non-violent resistance by the Apostles who were prevented from their inalienable and fundamental human right of preaching, practicing, and propagating their religion. Christians are called to be obedient and patriotic citizens, except in situations where civil or other laws directly violate divine laws or trample on their basic rights. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego gently but firmly disobeyed King Nebuchadnezzar who prevented them from worshipping God (Daniel 3:16-18). Religious freedom gives citizens the freedom to belong and practice any religion of their choice. In some countries, state religions are imposed on citizens and those who do not belong to these religions (religious minorities) are constantly harassed and persecuted. Saint John XXIII wrote in “Pacem in Terris,” “Also among man’s rights is that of being able to worship God in accordance with the right dictates of his own conscience, and to profess his religion both in private and in public.” How firm are we in standing and defending our faith in moments of persecution?

Acts of the Apostles 5:27-33; John 3:31-36; Thursday, 2nd Week of Easter