In the Acts of the Apostles, we encounter Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, whose story provides lessons for our daily lives.
We see how an angel of the Lord directed Philip to the road to Gaza, and how the Spirit instructed him to approach the Ethiopian's chariot. This reminds us that God is actively involved in guiding us, if we are open to His promptings.
The Ethiopian, a high-ranking official, was reading the prophet Isaiah but he was struggling to understand. Philip asked him, "Do you understand what you are reading?" The eunuch's honest response was, "How can I, unless someone guides me?"
This highlights a crucial point: many times, we need help to truly grasp the meaning of Scripture. It's not enough to simply read the words; we have to intentionally seek understanding and allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate God’s Word.
Philip, who was filled with the Spirit, used this opportunity to preach the Good News about Jesus—explaining how the prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled in Jesus. And when the eunuch heard this, he was moved to ask for baptism.
What a profound transformation—turning away from his former life to embrace a new life offered in Christ. His response tells us everything. He continued on his way rejoicing, a testament to the joy that comes from encountering the living God.
The story of the encounter of Philip and the eunuch is a story that calls us to be attentive to the Spirit's guidance in our own lives; to reflect on whether we are open to the unexpected encounters and opportunities that God places before us.
We can also take a look at our disposition or the lens through which we look at Scripture—do we seek to understand it in heart and mind? And are we ready to share the Good News with others, leading them to a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ?
Let us pray for the grace to be like Philip, bold and obedient to the Spirit, and like the Ethiopian, open and eager to receive the truth.
- Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
