Friday, 9th Week of Ordinary Time

Acts 10:34-48

“While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word (10:44).

I think that Peter might have been forgiven for saying, “Can I at least finish my sermon please?” Notice that neither Cornelius nor his family, his servants or friends, have actually indicated their agreement with Peter’s message. There is no assent, no profession of faith. But here comes the Holy Spirit, just as it came upon the disciples on Pentecost. It seems that it doesn’t matter what they actually think.

Of course it does. Cornelius has been preparing himself and his household for years, by his worship, prayer, and charitable giving, for this moment. But he must also have been a very anxious man. Yes, he believes in the God of Israel. Yes, he acts in accordance with the Law as much as is humanly possible. But circumcision, without anesthetic and a sterile environment, could kill him. For all his efforts to live as a Jew, he cannot be a member of the Congregation of Israel. How, then can he ever know that he is saved. I wonder if he gave his money away to the point of putting his family’s security at risk because of this personal anxiety.

Of course, we all have this anxiety to some extent. How do we know we are saved? Many recite the “Sinner’s Prayer.” And that is certainly an essential start. Peter doesn’t sugar-coat that message. When he says, “They put him to death,” he doesn’t just mean the leaders of Israel. He points the finger at Cornelius as well, for it was Roman soldiers, representing Cornelius and all the nations, who nailed Jesus to the cross. And how could such a crime ever be forgiven? The One who was crucified offers it to anyone willing to receive it. Having prepared Cornelius by a life of devotion to God, the Holy Spirit who has been preparing Cornelius comes to full bloom in his heart and tongue.

And so, day by day, we assist Holy Spirit as he prepares us by daily prayer, the reading and study of scripture, and actions that support others in their spiritual journey. Thanks be to God, none of that is necessary for salvation, since then our salvation would depend on our insufficient efforts. God is already saving us, step by step, and he is saving our world. Our task is to look around and ask, “Where?”