It is a totally transformed and emboldened Peter who courageously defies the members of the Sanhedrin and exclaims that it is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard. This “impossibility” of which Peter speaks can be understood in two ways. Firstly, in the sense in which Peter intended it. Namely, that what they had seen and heard was such incredibly good news, that they could simply not keep it to themselves. However, a second way of understanding this “impossibility” relates to the fact that the leaders, scribes, and teachers recognized them as companions of the Jesus. This suggests that, even if silent, their very being would proclaim the good news they could no longer remain silent about. It is in this second sense that it is also impossible for us to not speak about Jesus. Since, as monks, we clearly identify ourselves as disciples of Jesus, then, even without speaking, our very being, words, and example, speak of Christ. However, in doing so, we are either distorting the true identity of Christ, or faithfully manifesting it. This is an awesome responsibility that we cannot shirk or escape, except by actually rejecting Jesus. And thus it is only with deep humility and ongoing conversion that our lives will speak more truly of the Christ we love and adore. And only in this way can we expect to draw others to Christ, his Church, and this monastery.