Acts 10, 1-2
Something to read
In Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Cohort, as it was called. 2 He was a devout man who feared God with all his household; he gave alms generously to the people and prayed constantly to God.
New Revised Standard Version
To read the King James Version, click here
Something to think about
It’s easy to be fearful of foreigners and even more so when they are part of an occupying army. Yet looked at from Cornelius’ point of view, his actions are amazing.
He is far from home, part of an occupying force, among a people who do not want him there. He will have been schooled to crush opposition. However here he is, giving generously to those in need and in continual prayer.
But there is another hero, unnamed in the story: who had brought him to such faith? Was it a fellow Roman or a Jew he had encountered? Who are the unnamed people in our journey of faith?
Something to do
Think about people in your neighbourhood who help others and build up the community, but are not from our faith or background.
What can I do to join in and support them? Are there groups of people who I naturally distrust or fear? Perhaps it is time to look beyond the label to the God-created human inside.
Something to pray
Lord we pray for all people of goodwill who serve in armed forces far away from home. We remember in particular British service men and women in places like Afghanistan. We ask that they may follow the example of Cornelius in knowing you in prayer and giving to those facing poverty today.
Today's contributor is James Hutchings, Mission Resources Adviser for the Anglican Diocese of Exeter