A Thought

“Peter opened his mouth and said, ‘In truth I perceive that The Lord shows no partiality.  But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him’.”  Acts 10:34

St. Peter had seen a vision while praying; the vision included “all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth”.  When Peter had been commanded to eat, he declined because these animals included those considered ‘unclean’ according to the Law.  The Lord, however, replied to Peter, ‘What The Lord has cleansed you must not call common.’

Many believe this passage renders all things edible, that the kosher law is no longer in effect.  However, a more careful rendering of the entire chapter indicates The Lord was speaking of Gentiles, those outside of the Covenant; it is very unlikely this passage is strictly about food.  So what we take from this is that it has nothing to do with pork and other ‘unclean” meats, but it has everything to do with those whom we likely consider to somehow be beneath us; those we may consider to be unfit for the Kingdom.  If we only take from this chapter divine permission to eat whatever suits us, we have missed entirely the Mission of the Church which has nothing to do with what we can bring for potluck!  In other words, it is not about “me” and what brings “me” pleasure or personal satisfaction.

Let us remember the Church is the Body of Christ, the reality of the Holy Presence in the world today.  Becoming a member through baptism is a sharing of Peter’s vision in understanding that even though we will have our own personal, special moments with the Lord, we are always called beyond ourselves because as much as The Lord loves you, He loves your enemy as well.  The Lord therefore has given us all we need to speak in His behalf especially to those we deem unfit or ‘unclean’.

Let the Holy Spirit inform your words and actions today and each day – because the Gospel of our Lord is all about those who will be watching and listening.

Blessings,

Michael