Saturday, January 4, 2003

While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 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... Acts 10:44-46a

The theologian and writer Renita J. Weems describes the church with these words in her book Listening for God: A Minister's Journey Through Silence and Doubt. She writes,

We are the church, a ragged band of miracle workers: ragged because we are often contentious, scared, lazy, undependable, and-in a word-flawed; miracle workers because we've had to take straw and build a cathedral of hope for every generation that crossed our threshold. (1)

I love this image of the church that Weems gives us. It seems to summarize the church's story from the beginning. Human, flawed and open to God's prodding. Therefore, open to God's mystery and the incredible ways God can surprise us.

The account of Peter and Cornelius demonstrates this openness to God's prodding. If we look at this account in a broader way we will see that Peter needed to be prodded by God to then be open to seeing the Gentiles in a different way. Cornelius has also been prodded. (God's like that. Alive. Among Us. Prodding...)

Eventually, all this leads to Peter and Cornelius meeting face to face. And again Peter is surprised by God for he recognizes the Holy Spirit (God's presence) among these foreigners! These Gentiles! God's prodding continues. And Peter must respond and baptizes Cornelius and his household.

However, if we continue reading this account we will discover that this is still not the end of the story. For Peter must appear before the believers in Judea (the developing church establishment) and explain what in the world he is doing!

You see, Peter's actions are causing a stir and all can wonder that the obvious result of Peter's actions (if they are allowed to continue) will mean change for everyone.

And Peter simply recounts his experience. He recounts his story. He proclaims God's prodding! And all rejoice! Amen

John Ruiz

(1) Renita J. Weems, Listening for God: A Minister's Journey Through Silence and Doubt (Simon and Schuster: New York, London, Toronto, Sydney, Singapore) 1999, p. 111.