“But Peter and the Apostles said in reply, ‘We must obey God rather than men’ ” (Acts 5:29). of Thursday April 20, 2023

I have hauled my children to art museums and historic churches since they were small. They have become adept at recognizing saints since, traditionally, saints are depicted with easily recognized symbols: their attributes. It becomes a game, a game that they also enjoy turning around on me—not allowing me to see the title of a painting and then seeing if I can identify the saint; Catherine of Alexandria and her wheel, Jerome with his lion, Peter with his keys and the rooster nearby. These attributes are the first layer of recognition.

Much deeper are those Peter displays in this scene: courageous witness to Jesus in word and deed, attributes that at some point today, I just might be called on to live out myself in the hopes that in me, someone might see an attribute of Christ.