This coming Sunday, January 12, 2025, the Church completes the Christmas season with the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, that celebrates the further manifestation of Christ as Son of God. The optional second reading is from the Acts of the Apostles (10: 34-38), Luke’s follow-up volume that continues the story of the Jesus movement after Christ’s ascension. Acts tells the story of Cornelius, a God-fearing Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea, who has a vision telling him to summon Simon Peter to his house. The next day Peter has a vision of his own that prompts him to accept the invitation even though he would violate Jewish Law by entering the home of a Gentile. When they meet, Cornelius explains his vision and welcomes a word from Peter who responds: “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him” (Acts 10: 34-35). Peter then goes on to tell the story of Jesus who, anointed by God and baptized by John, “went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him” (10:38).
After Peter completed his discourse, as Acts reports, the Spirit descended on Cornelius and his household and Peter baptized them in the name of Jesus Christ (10:44-48). Chapter eleven of Acts tells us that leaders of the Christian community in Jerusalem were upset with Peter baptizing Gentiles. When Peter told them the whole story, however, they ceased objecting and declared: “If this be so, then God has granted lifegiving repentance even to the Gentiles” (Acts 11: 18).
The story of Cornelius reminds us that the Holy Spirit continues to guide the Church and its members toward greater tolerance and inclusion. If we Christians are tempted to stigmatize all Muslims as terrorists, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Muslims are our brothers and sisters in the one Abrahamic family. If we are tempted to demonize political opponents, the Spirit moves us to see them as fellow citizens. If we are tempted to harbor resentments of perceived enemies, the Spirit invites us to seek reconciliation. If we are tempted to ignore the marginalized, the Spirit prompts us to reach out to someone we can help. If we are tempted to anti-Semitism, the Spirit reminds us that the Jewish religion remains an important witness to God’s truth and love. If we are tempted to tolerate racist jokes and talk, the Spirit strengthens us to speak up. If we are tempted to isolate ourselves in the world of social media, the Spirit prompts us to put more effort into cultivating healthy relationships. If we are tempted to reduce our spiritual life to private prayer, the Spirit encourages us to work for justice and peace. If we are tempted to dismiss the Church as a corrupt institution, the Spirit invites us to stay in the Church and to do our part to reform it. If we are tempted to sleepwalk through Sunday Mass, the Spirit arouses us to full, conscious, active participation in the common worship. If we are tempted to give up on the disappointing electoral process, the Spirit reminds us that there is a Christian obligation to vote and to do so prudently.
How can I participate more fully in the community building work of the Holy Spirit?
About the Author
Fr. James J. Bacik has served as a priest of the Diocese of Toledo since his ordination in 1962. He is a widely regarded theologian, writer, lecturer and pastor who served as campus minister and adjunct professor of humanities at the University of Toledo for more than 30 years. Fr. Bacik is an AUSCP member. Visit his website at frjimbacik.org.