The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”
—  Acts 10:15

Thought Of The Day...
Cornelius, a centurion in the Roman army, was “God-fearing” and gave generously to people in need. He was not a full convert to the Jewish faith, so he was considered a Gentile by all who followed the laws of the Jewish community. This meant he could not associate with anyone who was Jewish.
Our Scripture for today declares a message that was whispered throughout the Old Testament. God had told Abraham that his descendants would be a blessing to “all peoples” (Genesis 12:3). And now God called Peter to participate in bringing that blessing as God also worked through Cornelius.
For centuries the Jews were taught that certain foods, as well as people who were non-Jews (Gentiles), were “unclean,” but now God changed all that in a vision he gave to Peter. A sheet coming down from heaven had all kinds of animals on it, and a voice told Peter to eat. Though Peter was hungry, he said he would not eat anything that was “unclean.” But the voice said that if God had made it all clean, no one should call it unclean.
The vision came three times, and then Peter was invited to visit Cornelius. Peter understood that the Spirit of God was changing things and that he needed to follow where the Spirit would lead. On this Sunday May 25th, we remember that the Spirit is still at work to shape and mold the church.

Prayer...
Almighty God, creator of heaven and earth, we come before you humbly to ask for forgiveness. Your word tells us in Acts 10:15 that we should not call anyone impure or unclean, for you have declared all people as worthy of your grace and love. Yet, we often fall into the trap of dividing the world into “us” and “them,” judging and excluding those who may seem different from ourselves.

Lord, soften our hearts and open our eyes to see all people as your beloved children. Help us to break down the barriers that divide us and instead, unite in your love and compassion. Give us the courage to reach out with kindness and understanding, to embrace those who may be different from us, and to build bridges of peace in a world filled with division and strife.

Through the example of your Son, Jesus, who showed us unconditional love and acceptance, may we also extend the same to all those around us. May your Holy Spirit guide us to be agents of unity, healing, and reconciliation, as we strive to live out your message of love and inclusion.

We ask for your grace and strength to love one another, regardless of race, gender, nationality, or social status. May we be instruments of your peace, reflecting the light of your love in every action and word. Help us to listen to one another with open hearts and to seek understanding over judgment. Let us celebrate our differences as unique expressions of your creation, and may we work together to foster a community rooted in respect and empathy.

Lord, as we walk this journey together, remind us that true unity comes from recognizing our shared humanity and purpose in you. May our lives be a testament to your greatness, as we strive to fulfill the commandment to love one another as you have loved us.

In Jesus holy name, we pray. Amen.

Enjoy your Sunday Church Services and God Bless!