Holy Sheet

Apologies, that title line Is not intended to cause harm. Exactly what Saint Peter saw, This, heaven's vision, was no charm. A sheet descending from the sky, By its four corners, lifted high, And slowly, then did it descend. It was laid flat upon the earth. It teemed with reptiles, beasts, and birds, A voice said, "Peter, rise, kill, eat." But Peter said, "Lord, by no means, I won't eat common or unclean." The voice was heard a second time, "What I, the Lord, have declared clean You would do well to not decry." Then, yet again, the voice did chime. And just as quick as it appeared It was withdrawn back in the air. While Peter, inward was perplexed, A knock was sounded at the door. Inquiring for Simon within, Cornelius, seems, sent these men. So Peter said, "Why do you come? I am the one you're looking for." Said they, "Our lead, Cornelius, An upright and God-fearing man, An angel told to visit you That you might join him at his house, So he could hear what you might say." And so they went upon their way With Simon Peter now in tow. What God prepared, he did not know, But once arrived, the words just flowed. "With you all Roman, I, a Jew, Cannot associate with you, But now I truly understand That God has declared all are clean For that is what the vision means. He simply asks that you do right, And what's acceptable to him. That you believe He sent his Son. That, though they nailed him to a tree, God raised him up for you and me, And from our sins has set us free. That all who call upon His name Abide for all eternity." Though Peter still was sharing this, The Holy Spirit fell on them And all attending were amazed For on the Gentiles, Spirit rained. Then they were baptized, one and all And for two days, Peter remained. (from Acts 10)