Free exercise thereof

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution says: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."

That's nice.

That a civil government should permit "the free exercise" of religion is indeed a good thing.

But ultimately, it doesn't matter, as Peter says in today's first reading (Acts 4:13-21):

Whether it is right in the sight of God
for us to obey you rather than God,
you be the judges.

It is impossible for us not to speak about
what we have seen and heard.

Politicians sometimes remind us that freedom is a gift from the Almighty, not from governments.

What St. Peter is saying is that we share our faith with others not because we can, but because we must: because the Lord has commanded it and because freedom from sin and eternal life in Christ is such great news that it simply must be shared.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever....

My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.

The joyful shout of victory
in the tents of the just.

"The right hand of the LORD is exalted;
the right hand of the LORD has struck with power."

I shall not die, but live,
and declare the works of the LORD.
(Psalm 118:1,14-15a,16-17)