Peter, the Jew, and Cornelius, the Gentile, Come Together

This meditation is based on a passage for August 26, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Acts 10:17-33

Reflection and Question: What can be clearer than this: “God has shown me that I should not call anyone profane or unclean?” For Peter, Cornelius was suspect; for Cornelius, Peter was suspect. Both had received a clear message from God to seek out the other graciously. And both do. Cornelius receives the Jew in his home and Peter agrees to share his experience of Jesus with Cornelius, his family and friends. They charge us all to do the same — according to God’s gracious will, we are to call no one unclean or profane! Who does the church call unclean and who does the church seek out graciously today?

Prayer: Holy Spirit, inspire us, we pray, as You inspired Peter and Cornelius in their day. Give us the grace to call no one profane or unclean. May we grasp Your gracious will as these blessed servants did. May we live Your love as they did. Amen.