April 26, 2012 Acts 8: 26-40; John 6: 44-51
Today’s first reading from Acts of the Apostles could be just another interesting story! BUT … it’s really a story of the way God works with us. This event describes at least four aspects that are foundational to our faith journey.
God CALLED Phillip … Phillip was given specific directives.
Phillip LISTENED to the inner guiding voice … trusting it was the right thing to do.
The Ethiopian DESIRED to understand … he has a teachable heart … willingness and a hunger in his heart.
Phillip shows concern and SHARES the meaning of the scriptures … Phillip SHARES his faith.
CALL … LISTEN … DESIRE … SHARE … these are all elements that evidence God’s Spirit at work within us.
What follows is the amazing grace of a faith response … the immersion through Baptism into the life of Grace.
Through Faith and Baptism … we have each received the gift of life in Christ.
Using this story as an example … we can ask ourselves …
What is God calling us to do today?
How will we listen and respond?
How much do we desire to better understand our faith?
How can we share our faith with others?
Then the eunuch said to Philip in reply,
“I beg you, about whom is the prophet saying this?
About himself, or about someone else?”
Then Philip opened his mouth and, beginning with this Scripture passage,
he proclaimed Jesus to him.
As they traveled along the road
they came to some water,
and the eunuch said, “Look, there is water.
What is to prevent my being baptized?”
Then he ordered the chariot to stop,
and Philip and the eunuch both went down into the water,
and he baptized him.
When they came out of the water,
the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away,
and the eunuch saw him no more,
but continued on his way rejoicing.
Philip came to Azotus, and went about proclaiming the good news
to all the towns until he reached Caesarea.
