Trying to make a list of God’s attributes could be quite a challenge.
All the qualities we can ascribe to him can be declined over time, but we always risk missing some!
Today’s 1st reading in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 10:25-26,34-35,44-48) mentions one aspect of God’s being that could be easily forgotten, yet…
Yet, it is very important for us to recognize it.
The text says:
“God does not show favoritism” (Acts 10:34).
Or, as stated in another translation: “God is no respecter of persons”.
At first sight, this may be surprising and a little puzzling.
But in simple words, it means that God is not impressed with titles and qualifications whatever they may be.
Social ranks, nominations, honorific mentions, do not come high on God’s list of priorities.
It would be safe to assume that what is important to God is a person’s heart of hearts!
Long ago, we have been told that:
“God does not see as human beings do” (1 Samuel 16:7).
Bias, nepotism, favoritism, cronyism – these are all too present nowadays when it comes to the choice of candidates for different positions of power.
God’s choice follows another direction altogether.
The 1st reading tells us clearly:
“God accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right” (Acts 10:35).
“Fears him” can be read as: “trusts him, relies on him”.
God accepts, welcomes, delights in, every such person – no matter his/her origin, social class, education, or even religious group.
This is truly comforting and leaves no one of us out… unless we choose to exclude ourselves from God’s chosen ones!
Note: Another text is available on a different theme, in French, at: https://image-i-nations.com/6e-dimanche-de-paques-annee-b-2024/