So he called them in to be his guests. The next day he rose and went off with them, and some of the brethren from Joppa accompanied him. And on the following day they entered Caesare’a. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his kinsmen and close friends. When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.”
–Acts 10:23-26
I cannot help but think of all the clergy “groupies” that fluttered and continue to flutter around Charles Bennison, blindly perceiving him to be something quite different than he has been judged by his peers.
But then i think of so many fine, dedicated, and humble priests and bishops who truly understand what it is to be a pastor, a fiduciary who promotes, protects, and defends the best interests of the parishioners they serve. These are truly Christ’s representatives on earth….always putting their parishioners’ best interests above their own.