The Reason for the Summons

"So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?" Peter (Acts, 10:29)

The question that Peter asked the Centurion Cornelius is of great significance in apostolic accomplishments.

The Roman dignitary was traditionally known to be upright and charitable. He solicited the presence of the disciple of Jesus to attend to matters of a higher order, after receiving a generous counsel from an emissary from Heaven. In spite of that, upon arriving at the domestic circle, the levelheaded former fisherman from Capernaum asked: "May I ask why you sent for me?"

Simon desired to know the reason for this request as a vigilant worker would need to know exactly where he stands and with what finality he had been convoked to a foreign soil.

This expressive picture suggests many new ideas to the new students of the Gospel.

Many people desiring to hear this or that enlightened spirit, which they have heard about, often invoke his presence in their doctrinaire meetings.

Such a request is stormy and senseless.

How could we possibly request the company of someone who we do not merit?

We cannot attribute this impulse as frivolous, but we must try to evaluate the importance of the finality at play.

Let us imagine that you have summoned Simon Peter to a particular prayer meeting, and let us suppose that the venerable Apostle acquiesced. Naturally, you would be obliged to explain to this great celestial emissary the motive for your request. Reflecting sensibly, over our mental attitude, let us evaluate if we possess sufficient spiritual evolvement to see, to listen and to understand this glorious spirit. Which one of us could truly respond in the affirmative? Would we have the audacity to invoke the sublime disciple, merely to hear him speak?

XAVIER, Francisco Cândido. Our Daily Bread. By the Spirit Emmanuel. Spititist Alliance for Books, 2003. Chapter 54.