How Dare You Reach Out
There is an expectation of Christians in general, but especially clergy, that we associate only with believers. If we are seen talking, let alone eating, with nonbelievers our faith is called into question. How could we let ourselves be dragged so low, and hang out with ‘those’ people?
In those days, while Peter was still saying this, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who came with Peter were amazed, because 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 declared, “Can any one forbid water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days. Now the apostles and the brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, “Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?” But Peter began and explained to them in order: “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, something descending, like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came down to me. Looking at it closely I observed animals and beasts of prey and reptiles and birds of the air. And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ But I said, ‘No, Lord; for nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ But the voice answered a second time from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’ This happened three times, and all was drawn up again into heaven.”
Acts 10:44-48;11:1-10
I guess Saint Peter understood how it felt to eat with ‘those’ people. So did Christ when He went into the home of Zachaeus. (see Luke 19.15) At least we’re in good company, but it still doesn’t answer the question of why we would go ‘there’ in the first place.
Because God wants ‘those’ people too!
God’s saving plan isn’t just for the Jews. Holy Week and Pascha reminded us of how many of the Jews turned their backs on Him. Today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles reminds us that the Gentiles (that’s you and me non-Jewish people) are also part of His saving plan.
We must put today’s reading in context. Peter was speaking with BELIEVERS when he was questioned. It was members of the Church who were confused about the Gentiles being in the Church. It shouldn’t be a surprise when the same thing happens today.
The only way our faith ‘makes sense’ is if we share it with everyone, not only those inside the Church. There is a pious Protestant custom of standing up in Church and testifying to faith. I never understood this custom since the testimony was in front of believers.
If we want to further the mission of the Church, and Christ’s desire for “all to be saved,” (see 1st Timothy 2.4) then our testimony should be outside the church where non-believers can have a chance at faith.
Testimony isn’t always words. In fact, it rarely is words. The Church calendar is filled with examples of Christian testimony. We call those who offer testimony ‘martyrs’ because their testimony more often than not get them killed for Christ.
So, if we aren’t going to be offer ourselves to be killed for Christ, how we do we bear testimony among ‘those’ people? Our testimony begins with sharing our lives with other people outside the Church. It doesn’t mean ‘selling out’ but sharing our faithful lives.
Peter ate with them. THEN he taught them about Christ. We have to get to know people before we can dare to share intimate feelings about God. Nobody shares their heart with a stranger. Show people you care, and they will care what you think about God, maybe.
It won’t always work. Some walked away from Christ. Some will walk away from us and the Church too. Some ‘insiders’ will chastise us, but they chastised Peter too. Be faithful to Christ in your dealings with others, especially those ‘outsiders’ who need Him too. Dare to reach out.
