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The Book of Acts can be a very exciting read as it tells us story after story about God’s power in the early church. And today’s reading is no exception. Peter entered the home of Cornelius—a Gentile who was not part of the chosen Jewish people—and after some formalities, he began to tell them about Jesus—but he never finished his discourse! Like a second Pentecost, the Holy Spirit fell upon everyone in the house, and Cornelius and his family embraced Jesus as Lord and Savior.

The lesson Cornelius learned that day is still valid: When the gospel is preached, God works. We are used to talking to others with kindness and compassion. We employ good communication and logic to solve problems. But how often do we trust in the power of God to change lives? Of course, it’s good to be kind and to use good reason. But it is also important to talk about the power of God—the power that raised Jesus from the dead, the power that is available to us today.

Peter learned a lesson that day as well: When we talk about Jesus, we might receive spiritual surprises ourselves. Many Jews in Peter’s day didn’t believe that the Gentiles were part of God’s plan. But when Peter saw how the Holy Spirit moved among them at Cornelius’ house, he was caught completely off guard. This surprise changed the entire outlook for the church.

History has shown that the surprise at Cornelius’ house was not the only one God had in store for his people. In fact, God seems to enjoy catching his people off guard. He takes pleasure in expanding our horizons and surprising us with special gifts and grace that help build up his church. So never underestimate what God can do when the name of Jesus is preached—in your family, with your friends, and even with complete strangers.

“Dear Jesus, give me the boldness to preach your gospel just as lovingly and powerfully as Peter did two thousand years ago.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1. In the first reading, St. Peter preaches that “God shows no partiality.” Pope John Paul II says: “The Catholic Church bases upon God's plan her ecumenical commitment to gather all Christians into unity.” How open are you to share in Pope John Paul II's desire for Christian unity? What can you do to foster it?
2. The responsorial psalm tells us to “Sing joyfully to the Lord.” What reasons does the psalmist give for doing this? What reasons do you have for doing this?
3. In the second reading, St. John tells us that the really remarkable thing is not that we have loved God, but that he has loved us first. In what ways have you known and experienced God's love for you, not just for all people, but for you personally?
4. In the Gospel reading, we also hear another remarkable truth: “As the Father loves me, so also I love you” (John 15:9). We are again admonished to love one another. How easy is it for you to share God's love with others? When is it difficult for you to love others? How can knowing and experiencing the truth of John 15:9 help us to love others as Jesus loves us?
5. Again, in the Gospel, Christ tells us that he chose us to be his “friends.” What a remarkable thought: from all eternity God wanted each one of us to be in a special relationship with him. And because we are friends, he shares with us everything he has heard from the Father. As “friends,” what have you shared with Christ recently? What has he shared with you? What have you shared with others about your friend, Jesus?
6. In the prayer at the end of the meditation, we pray for boldness to preach the Gospel to others. What does it mean to “preach the Gospel?” Take a few minutes at the end of your men’s group meeting to pray together this prayer. Continue to pray for boldness and share the impact of these prayers at your next meeting.

Come Holy Spirit!  ~  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and en kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. In that same spirit give us your right judgment and the joy of your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer to St. Joseph  ~  Glorious St. Joseph, guide and protector of the Holy Family, we ask that you obtain for us from your son, Jesus, the strength and wisdom to lead our families to their Father in heaven. Most Chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we imitate your obedience to the will of God and be ever mindful of the vocation to which we have been called. Amen