This is the first of many readings from this book in our Easter Season. The context of this passage is that Peter has been invited to address the household of the Roman centurion Cornelius: Cornelius was not a Jew, but was a just and good man, who had a vision telling him to invite Peter to his home. Peter arrives and Cornelius, after describing his vision, says, “You have been kind enough to come. Here we all are, assembled in front of you to hear what message God has given you for us.” So Peter is in the situation of introducing this man and his household to faith in Jesus Christ – Cornelius knows nothing of the Gospel message. So Peter gives the discourse you read on this day. This is a testimony – an eye-witness account – and should be read with great personal conviction, especially from the words, “Now I, and those with me, can witness to everything he did…” Peter is giving the Good News as he has received it to Cornelius, who is thirsty for it. You too, as the proclaimer, must give this Good News on this holy day to those listening to you: not by “tub-thumping” or high-blown oratory, but by your quiet confidence in the truth and importance of what you are reading.

 

 

A short reading – but full of power. It’s definitely a “morning-after” sort of reading: the morning after Baptism and the Renewal of Baptism. There is a “here and now” truth about it. The first sentence emphasises this: “Since YOU have been brought back to true life with Christ (in Baptism), YOU must (now) look for the things that are in heaven…” where the ‘you’ is the Sunday congregation. The phrase “you have died” is an explicit reference to Baptism – see the New Testament reading at the Easter Vigil. The final line is a wonderful promise: because it is addressed to us all today, it is worth practising so that you can look up at the people as you say: “… you too will be revealed in all your glory with him.” Really make everyone think about what this means!