Today is commemorated one of the most important moments in Christianity, when Peter brings Cornelius, the Roman centurion, and his family into the Christian life. It is notable for many reasons, particularly it illustrates the call for Christians to closely examine what culturally constructed barriers may limit the proclamation of the Gospel.
It also, I think, illustrates a less popular point. Namely, Cornelius was called to Christianity as it existed, not as it needed to be altered to suit his expectations. While God called Peter to initiate Cornelius into the Body of Christ, it appears that Cornelius had already adopted the Way of the Cross as the way of his life. The initiation, while important in encouraging this Christian journeyman in his faithful quest, responded to his sincerity of purpose and intention.
Another issue is realized when one considers how active Peter was in recognizing Cornelius. For example, the contemporary notion of separating the sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion into two distinct chunks, called by some "open Communion", is a passive invitation made by clergy, placed as it is within the liturgy of a Sunday morning. The clergy need do nothing that is active: they are already in the sanctuary, vested in their finery, and in an attitude of liturgical control as they are presiding over the proceedings.
To invite someone to receive Holy Baptism, the affirmation of the Christian way of life [that is to be re-affirmed by reception of the Holy Communion], is a much more active process. It requires, especially in this age, that clergy perform work outside of the sanctuary, outside of Sunday morning liturgies, not cocooned in vestments, and often in a socially ordinary position.
Peter's ministry was always active and, in this moment captured in the Acts of the Apostles, one that led to the Gospel's proclamation to all people, regardless of culture. I hope it can still serve to inspire disciplined laity and clergy who pray and work for an active ministry to pursue even outside of Sunday morning.