“In today’s first reading, something very striking happens. The authorities observe Peter and John—and they are amazed. Why? Because these are ordinary men. Fishermen. Uneducated. Simple. And yet, they speak with courage. They speak with conviction. They speak with authority.
So the leaders ask: Where is this coming from? And the answer is very simple: “They recognized them as having been with Jesus.”
This is the one message I would like to leave with you today: When we are truly with Jesus, it shows. You cannot be with Jesus and remain the same.
Before the Resurrection, Peter was afraid. He denied the Lord. He hid. But after encountering the Risen Christ, he becomes bold—fearless—even in the face of threats.
What changed? Not his education. Not his status. Not his background. What changed is this: He had been with Jesus.
And this is very relevant for us today. Because many of us consider ourselves followers of Christ. We pray. We go to Mass. We receive the sacraments. But the question is: Does it show?
When people look at us—our families, our co-workers, our parishioners—can they say: “This person has been with Jesus.” Or do they see no difference?
The authorities tried to silence Peter and John. They warned them: “Do not speak anymore in the name of Jesus.” But Peter and John answered: “We cannot but speak about what we have seen and heard.” In other words: “We cannot keep Jesus to ourselves.”
This is the challenge of Easter. If we have truly encountered the Risen Lord, we cannot remain silent. Not necessarily by preaching loudly, but by living differently. In our homes—when we choose patience instead of anger. In our workplaces—when we choose integrity instead of compromise. And in society—when we stand for truth, even if we stand alone.
Let us be honest. Sometimes, we are afraid. Afraid of being judged. Afraid of being rejected. Afraid of going against the crowd.
But today’s reading reminds us: Courage does not come from ourselves. It comes from being with Jesus.
So today, let us ask for this grace: Not just to believe in Jesus, but to be with Him—every day. Because when we are truly with Him, even if we are simple, even if we are weak, even if we are afraid—our lives will speak.
And people will recognize: “This person has been with Jesus.”