10 May 2015
6th Sunday of Easter
In the opening scene of today’s first reading the centurion Cornelius has just met Peter and pays him homage as if to a god. Who is this man and why his strange action? In order to appreciate the significance of this meeting, we need to take a few steps back into the story.
It may seem like their initial encounter, but Peter and Cornelius have
met before – in a vision! Divine intervention has not only brought these
two unlikely companions together, it has taught Peter a few profound
lessons. The message of this vision has been unmistakable: God shows no
partiality! The centurion Gentile is equally welcome into the fellowship
of the faith community as his Jewish companion. Peter now admits the
error of his previous thinking.But there is more to shake up Peter’s sensibilities! Peter affirms that it is the Holy Spirit, not he, that has stirred the faithful, falling upon all who are listening, Jew and Gentile alike. The Jewish converts are astounded to hear the Gentile believers speaking in tongues and glorifying God. This community has now come together in a dynamic, spirit-filled way. This growing fellowship of believers will no longer be an exclusive club.
Peter’s remark early on in this passage is also very telling: “I myself am also a human being.” Lest we get caught up in the dynamism and charisma of our leaders, we need to be reminded of this truth. Leadership guides, inspires and challenges us in the faith. It is the work of the Holy Spirit, however, that moves the hearts and minds of believers, revealing the truths of our faith, calling the unbeliever to new life, growing the church in surprising ways, and ensuring the will of God that all may be one. Important lessons for the new leaders of the church – and for all of us!The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, leads Bible studies at her parish, Incarnation Church of Wethersfield, CT. She is a CBS graduate and the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, the Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal.
