May 9, 2021
The Word, Source: Acts of the Apostles 10. One – 49 (excerpts)
The Roman Centurium Cornelius Invites Peter the Apostle To His Home
25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and, falling at his feet, paid him homage.
26 Peter, however, raised him up, saying, “Get up. I myself am also a human being.” He rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him.”
44 While Peter was still speaking these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon alllwho were listening to the word.
45 The circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit should have been poured out on the Gentiles also,
46 for they could hear them speaking in tongues and glorifying God.
Then Peter responded,
47 “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit even as we have?”
48 He ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
A REFLECTION
There are a number of stories about Gentiles (non-Jews) believing in Jesus and following the experiences and teachings of the apostles. Although this seems to be something of the past – it is most important – for we are Gentiles. Our connection to Judaism is to our faithful understanding of the Old Testament as the Moseic covenant with God before Jesus came as the central figure of the New Covenant. This part of our tradition allows us to call Abraham as our Father in Faith. And so, it was most amazing to the believers, as we see in this week’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles, when they saw that the Holy Spirit came upon Centurion Cornelius, his family and all his friends who had gathered around to hear the words and testimony of the apostle Peter. The Lord God rewarded the goodness of Cornelius.
Can I urge again that you read this wonderful story as told by St. Luke. It is beautifully written in in a number of segments. It is a wonderful chapter – Chapter 10 of the Acts of the Apostles.
Now, this day, 2000 years later, we hear the words of Peter for ourselves.
As mentioned in an earlier communication – this is a good time to read a little of the Acts each day as we prepare for the feast of Pentecost – the Holy Spirit given for all of us.
As you read again today’s Scripture – be thankful and rejoice that you have been called to hear the message of Jesus.
It is a message of life – like to be received and life to be shared. Think of it.
MY PRAYER
Start with a prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of faith in Jesus Christ – for this wonderful story of Peter and Cornelius – remembering parents and those who took care of you – perhaps the priests in your parish, the teachers in your schools over the years –the many who gifted you with a good example of Christian life. may be, too, the prayer group that supports you and how you support others –
Offer a prayer to be renewed in your faith, strengthen in the following of Jesus -Pray for a renewal, a new gift of the Holy Spirit – for whatever change of life is needed or desired – Father, in the name of Jesus – renew me in the Holy Spirit –
