Gift of the Spirit given even to the Gentiles

From today's reading:  The [Jews] who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God.  Acts 10:45-46

In today's lesson, the Jews were "astounded" that God would bless the Gentiles with such obvious evidence of his presence.  They weren't sure what to do about it, but Peter knew they had to offer the water of baptism.  I was very blessed when Bishop Andy Doyle was at St. John's, La Porte in May.  After baptizing our adult candidate, he offered the ministry of baptism to anyone there who felt called to come forward.  Acceptance for anyone and everyone who desired to come - regardless of race, class, age or political or sexual persuasion.

Why is it, that as a human people, we have trouble believing that someone who is not 'just like us' cannot receive the Spirit of God?  And why is it that we seem to think that if a person truly does believe, they will come around to our way of thinking?  I know (and love) a number of people who are all God-fearing Christians, but some are "flaming liberals," while others are "bullheaded conservatives."  Yet they all know and love Jesus Christ and they follow him as their Lord and Savior.    

I don't think we're ever going to see eye to eye on many of the externals, but Jesus' commission to love our neighbor and to spread the news that He is risen from the dead lives on as the guiding principle for our life.  We just need to remember that "Christian" means that we are followers of  Jesus Christ, and we come in all shapes and sizes and political persuasions.  

(Personally, this year as a good "Via Media" Anglican, I'm looking for a third viable candidate for president.  Hmm, Jesus Christ himself might be nice...)