Sixth Sunday After Easter, Year B 2023 – 24: Substituted Acts Passage – Faith Stories told in new ways

“While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word.” (Acts 10:44)

Peter and a tarp of unclean food. Cornelius and a person in dazzling clothes. Faith that the Lord God had ordained this meeting. I am not sure which one of them needed this the most. Your first guess, beloved reader, might be Cornelius because he and his family needed to be in relationship with the Lord God. But I actually think Peter needed it more. Needed to see and experience for himself that the Divine would not be contained by categories and types of people. That faith can and will come to anyone. And that the signs are there.

“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. Then Peter said, “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” (Verses 45 – 47)

Outward signs and inner signs – one may come with the other. And signs for different levels of belief and faith. I smile to think about Cornelius and his family praising the Lord God. The inner workings and impulses that come out with the nudging of the Holy Presence.

Each person, beloved reader, has their own journey and way of connecting to the Divine. That is something that took me a while to understand, and to live out. I am not saying that what Peter saw was inauthentic; just that it was the beginning for each person there. And, as I said, for Peter and those believers who were with him. Like any celebration or festivity, time needs to be taken to absorb and appreciate what happened. And time to figure out how it changes life as we know it.

“So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.” (Verse 48)

I think too how it must have been to explain what happened; the radical and unconventional opening of faith. And it was just the beginning! Shalom & Selah!