Disgust is one of the basic human emotions. We don’t always like to talk about it in polite company, but it doesn’t take long to think of something that we find revulsive. In some cases the feeling arises naturally, but in other cases we have been acculturated to feel disgust. It is this second kind of emotion that the apostle Peter has to deal with in Acts 11.
The story tells how Peter, a person steeped in Jewish culture that avoided foods that were considered “unclean,” sees a vision that disgusts him. Peter sees a spread with all kinds of beasts and reptiles, and hears a voice saying, “Get up and eat.” For me, it might be seeing a bunch of wriggly worms or ticks or rats. I don’t know what it would be for you. Peter wrestles with his disgust. But it’s not really about the food, you see. It’s about how God is welcoming Gentiles as well as Jews — openly, lovingly, and warmly. Peter needs to deal with his disgust of certain people so he can learn God’s wide-open embrace.
In our country, we are struggling to learn how God welcomes all people — Black, Indigenous, white, LGBTQ, women, men, rural and urban. There are many systems and habits that keep us separated from one another and from this truth. Sometimes these systems teach us to feel disgust about other people. But just as Peter learned from his vision how God shows no distinction, we have that opportunity in our day to help so that all have rights and protections as beloved children of God.
People of St. Timothy, I appreciate how you strive to witness to God’s expansive love so that people of every race and background may have food, shelter, and welcome.
Three Holy Days
In our tradition, we make space on Maundy Thursday to remember central parts of our faith story. We hear about the...
