Wednesday, October 14, 2020

“Then Peter said: I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” Acts 10: 34-35

No matter how old I get, the first time I enter someone’s home it’s always a little awkward. Is this a shoes on or shoes off house? If I give the person my coat, will it go into a nearby closet which is easy to access when I’m ready to go or will it be taken into a room that resides in a part of the house that I may or may not see (especially raising the stakes when it’s a large gathering and I’m ready to make a polite exit)? Are other people already there? Do I know them? Do they look happy to see me or indifferent? How I’m welcomed goes a long way in knowing that someone is happy to have me around.

Today’s verse takes place right after the passage where Peter has a vision from God that makes it clear that, through the resurrection, adhering to strict Jewish laws that determine what is clean and unclean is no longer necessary. In effect, for each person who wants to come and know God, the door is open and God is waiting to warmly greet each person who walks through it. Today, may each one of us look for when God can use us to invite someone inside.