I decided to do some writing on this concept that God, ( Father, Son, and Spirit), has a special place in his heart for soldiers. This is apparent in the Old and New Testaments, also in historic years following whereby Christ's Kingdom on earth, relied on righteous soldiers. That's a pretty heavy thought for some Christians. Too complicated to cover in a short paragraph. But for now I wanted to talk about Cornelius. Why? Because Cornelius was a powerful soldier in the Roman Army. But not only that, he was the first Gentile to be baptized a Christian. This is significant, Out of all the Gentiles in the then modern Roman World, a soldier was chosen by the Holy Spirit and sent by an Angel to seek out Peter.
This is found in the book of Acts, chapter 10. “And there was a certain man in Caesarea, named Cornelius, a centurion of that which is called the Italian band; A religious man, and fearing God with all his house, giving much alms to the people, and always praying to God. This man saw in a vision manifestly, about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in unto him, and saying to him: Cornelius. And he, beholding him, being seized with fear, said: What is it, Lord? And he said to him: Thy prayers and thy alms are ascended for a memorial in the sight of God. And now send men to Joppe, and call hither one Simon, who is surnamed Peter:”
Cornelius was Centurion and in charge of many soildiers, but it wasn't just the fact that he was a powerful soldier, but the fact that he gave alms to the poor, he prayed to God the Father, and he feared God, meaning he believed in God., It also says he was religious, which might throw stick in the eye of some Christian teachings, but that really means that by being religious he had already developed an intimate relationship with God the Father, who by the way desired a deeper relationship with Cornelius through God the Son. And yes it was soldier, who did battle and killed his enemies, but it was the good that God saw in Cornelius. Make sense?
The other significance is that of all the Apostles chosen, Peter is the one who makes the decision to Baptize Cornelius. And God gives Peter the vision needed to do this in a vision. “And the voice spoke to him again the second time: That which God hath cleansed, do not thou call common. And this was done thrice; and presently the vessel was taken up into heaven. Now, whilst Peter was doubting within himself, what the vision that he had seen should mean, behold the men who were sent from Cornelius, inquiring for Simon's house, stood at the gate. And when they had called, they asked, if Simon, who is surnamed Peter, were lodged there. And as Peter was thinking of the vision, the Spirit said to him: Behold three men seek thee. Arise, therefore, get thee down and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. Then Peter, going down to the men, said: Behold, I am he whom you seek; what is the cause for which you are come? Who said: Cornelius, a centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and having good testimony from all the nation of the Jews, received an answer of an holy angel, to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee”
Notice that Cornelius is called a Just Man, and is in good standing with Jews, probably due to his alms giving, most likely, What we notice is that he is called a just man even though he was not baptized yet in the name of Christ. He doesn't even know about Christ yet. Even though he is a soldier who has killed people, God sees the good in Cornelius. But rest assured he will be made perfect by the blood of Christ. He will be baptized and repent of his sins, and tradition has it the Cornelius became a Bishop in the Early Church. A spiritual warrior for Christ. Amazing how God works, isn't it?
What is interesting in this event is the words of Peter before he Baptizes the entire household of Cornelius, “And Peter opening his mouth, said: In very deed I perceive, that God is not a respecter of persons. But in every nation, he that feareth him, and worketh justice, is acceptable to him. God sent the word to the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all.)”
We see here that all those who meet these criteria are acceptable to God. Even a soldier, I am sure some are up in arms right now that reject the fact that you must worketh justice, not only must you fear God, believe, but you must be just and do justice, this is a work commanded by Christ in the Beatitudes, much like Love and Forgiveness are works commanded by the Law of Christ to all Christians, Worketh Justice, God seeks those who do this and Cornelius to demonstrate this, as well as showing the primacy of Peter in the early Church. This event of Course leads to the 1st Council Meeting in Jerusalem, where Peter again shows his authority to make this decision. We know God made the decision, and worked through Peter as the 1st Bishop of Rome. It shows us how Christ is the Head and speaks through his representative on earth, the head of the Church. The Holy Spirit has always worked through men, and these decisions are of God's will.
This is what Cornelius the Centurion represents, Works of Mercy, Justice, Love, Forgiveness, Redemption, Faith and Works, And yes, even the authority of the Keys to the Kingdom given to Peter as the stewart.. For these reasons, the story of the Roman Soldier Cornelius has a special place in the hearts of Catholics, and it is a message to heard by all Christians. And it is not an excuse to argue with one another, but a great topic for conversation and unity. Be sure to Love each other, forgive, show justice, and have mercy and kindness towards each other. Even in disagreement. Apologetics, and Martial Arts are not offensive but for defense. Follow God's Will and you will be rewarded, Amen!
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