It’s been wicked windy at Thousand Island Park revealing beautiful white caps up and down the mighty St. Lawrence River. It’s impossible for me not to think about wind, which today isn’t especially welcomed by boaters, and at 20mph it’s even a little noisy to visit on the porch.
The daily office readings from the New Testament are making their way through the Acts of the Apostles, and the “wind of change” is fierce for Peter. Here’s what we know about St. Luke, the author of Acts: he continually heralds the glory of inclusiveness. Today’s installment focuses clearly on Peter’s “conversion” to associate with Gentiles, something about which he heretofore has been reluctant (at best) to do.
Who among us can’t relate to Peter? The world changed radically before his very eyes, and so is ours. The church is engaged in what some have called the biggest change in 500 years. Our own nation’s economy and identity are blowing all over the place, and I hear elders saying they’ve never known America so divided as they do in these days.
We all have to grapple with change, whether tragic or welcomed; whether it comes from loss or gain. The gospel responds with a blessing of hope that in the midst of change disciples of Jesus Christ proclaim again the glad news that Christ is risen from the dead. So we celebrate, and share with others, the reality that God’s wind, fierce at times and gentle and quiet at other times, leads the church to embrace all people.
For me, the question remains: will I sense the wind of change and follow God’s lead?
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