The Vision of Cornelius (Acts 10:1-8)

Now in Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Cohort called the Italica, 2 devout and God-fearing along with his whole household, who used to give alms generously to the Jewish people and pray to God constantly. 3 One afternoon about three o’clock, he saw plainly in a vision an angel of God come in to him and say to him, “Cornelius.” 4 He looked intently at him and, seized with fear, said, “What is it, sir?” He said to him, “Your prayers and almsgiving have ascended as a memorial offering before God. 5 Now send some men to Joppa and summon one Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is staying with another Simon, a tanner, who has a house by the sea.” 7 When the angel who spoke to him had left, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from his staff, 8 explained everything to them, and sent them to Joppa. 

Christianity began to expand beyond the Jews and Samaritans to the Gentiles; “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).”  Cornelius was a Roman centurion responsible for enforcing discipline.  Even though he was a Gentile, he was a God-fearing man who frequently gave alms generously to the Jewish people.  Cornelius had a vision of an angel who told him exactly where to send some men to Joppa to find Peter and invite him to come and speak to his household.  In Biblical times, the appearance of an angel meant the presence of God.  

Almighty God, grant us the grace to help those less fortunate than we are and the will to persevere in penance and prayer.  Help us to put you above all things and to serve you with a joyous heart.  This we pray through Christ our Lord.  Amen!

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References
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.