April 10.  Saturday of Easter week. Paul reminded his family group, “Do you remember the incident when our Chief Justice who is also a very committed member of his church said something deemed to be pro-Israel that offended other people.  They judged his statement to be against official foreign policy which is more pro-Palestinian.  They charged him and told him to apologise, but he refused and stood by his beliefs. It caused quite some drama in legal circles.     

The rulers charged them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.   Peter and John answered the rulers,  “whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”  Acts 4:13-21. Pope Francis:  I ask God to prepare our hearts to encounter our brothers and sisters, so that we may overcome our differences rooted in political thinking, language, culture and religion. Let us ask him to anoint our whole being with the balm of his mercy, which heals the injuries caused by mistakes, misunderstanding and disputes. Let us ask him for the grace to send us forth, in humility and meekness along the demanding but enriching path of seeking peace. FT254.   Reflect, share, pray.  Would I have the courage of my convictions in a debate?