Today is the feast day of Cornelius the Centurion (Commander of one hundred Roman soldiers). It is interesting that on the cusp of Lent we celebrate the feast of a Roman soldier who was converted to Christianity by Saint Peter. As we enter Lent, which begins on Wednesday, we will move toward Maundy Thursday and Good Friday when we hear of Saint Peter's denial of Jesus and Jesus' crucifixion which was carried out by Roman soldiers.
In these waning days of Epiphany Season, Cornelius is held out as a prime example of the love and forgiveness of God that reaches to the ends of the earth.
To read the story of Cornelius and his household, see Acts Chapters 10-11. You will read not only of the conversion of Cornelius, but also of a continuing conversion of Saint Peter as he begins to see that God's call of love is to everyone.
O God, by your Spirit you called Cornelius the Centurion to be the first Christian among the Gentiles: Grant to your Church such a ready will to go where you send and to do what you command, that under your guidance it may welcome all who turn to you in love and faith, and proclaim the Gospel to all nations; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
In peace,
Linda+
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
http://www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org/
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com/
912-267-0333
No comments:
Post a Comment