Even Them?
“The…believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.” – Acts 10:45
This verse from the Acts of the Apostles finds Peter and his friends in Caesarea at the house of Cornelius, a Roman centurion. Cornelius was known to be an upright person and had a reputation for being kind to the Jewish people. Peter found his way to Caesarea after Cornelius sent for him having had a vision to invite Peter. Upon arrival, Peter told them about Jesus, about his death and resurrection, and about the forgiveness of sins through Jesus’ name. This is all it took, the Good News simple and sweet. All the gentiles with Cornelius were then baptized and they spent the next several days together.
The people who were with Jesus were amazed that even these Roman gentiles would hear and receive the Good News. They were in awe as the life breath of the Holy Spirit fell upon them. They were amazed at these newly born followers of Christ because it broke the mold. The church was small and remote. “Christian” wasn’t even yet a term. Little did they know that this was a vision of so much that was to come. The Gospel is for everyone. God has even chosen gentiles like the centurion, and like so many of us. These are our roots as the Church.
Friends, the life of the Church has taken many forms. Throughout the last two millennia, there have been surprises and unexpected twists and turns, but no particularity has prevented the unbound Good News which is rooted in that very same story Peter shared about Jesus, about his death and resurrection, and about the forgiveness of sins through Jesus’ name. We are on the precipice of the hopeful unknown as we come out of this pandemic. I pray that the life breath of the Holy Spirit will be poured out upon all of us to fill our hearts with the goodness of grace, love, forgiveness, and mercy. Prepare to be amazed!
We love you and God loves you.