In Sunday’s first reading from Acts the fresh breeze of the Spirit blows through the early Christian community much as it has since John XXIII opened the window and announced the Second Vatican Council.
Peter refuses to let a Roman centurion kneel before him and honor him as a god in the same way Pope John often raised people up from their knees with a laugh at the incongruity of their bowing before him. Pope John’s answer to those who criticized his decision to call a Council sounds like Peter’s response when he sees the Spirit poured out upon the centurion Cornelius and his family: “What can I do to stop the Spirit?”
Our discomforts often point out where the Spirit is at work in us and our Church. Many adults seek spiritual means to ease the stress of living in our culture. Lay women and men in our parishes seek ways to use their gifts for ministry in the church and keep their churches open. Third World theologians and the U.S. Catholic bishops call First World Christians to a preferential option for the poor. Like a messy desk or a cluttered kitchen, discomfort and messiness in the Christian community may be signs the Spirit is at work in our hearts.
God shows no partiality.
Peter entered the house of Cornelius who met him, dropped to his knees before Peter, and bowed low. Peter said as he helped him to his feet, “Stand up; I am only human.”
Then Peter began to speak to the relatives and friends of Cornelius: “I begin to see that God shows no partiality, rather anyone of any nation who fears God and does what is right is acceptable to God.”
While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his words. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.
Acts 10.25-26,34-35,44-48
- How do you experience the Spirit at work in your discomforts with the Church today?
- How impartial are you in whom you accept as God-fearing and upright?
