Understand

Thursday of the Third Week of Easter

Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”  He replied, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?”  So he invited Philip to get in and sit with him.  Acts 8:29-31

Jesus said to the crowds: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day.  It is written in the prophets: They shall all be taught by God.  Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me.  John 6:44-45

Piety

Father, we can all get stuck in the disappointments and losses of our lives. But send your Son Jesus to walk that road by our side, sharing our burden of grief for as long as necessary.  Holy Spirit, patiently help us to reinterpret our situation until we are ready to recognize the Lord’s work and presence in the power of his resurrection.  Amen.  (Based on CNS Sunday Scripture Blog site)

Study

Many of our scripture readings since Easter do not only proclaim the Good News of the resurrection.  To help put the Easter mystery into context, we also hear and connect the New Testament with sacred scripture and traditions.  During the walk to Emmaus, Jesus preached the whole story of creation. 

How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke!  Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?”  Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures.  Luke 24:25B-27

Today, the cornerstone of both readings rests in the Book of the Prophet Isaiah.  Philip helped the eunuch understand the passage from Isaiah which he was reading.  Jesus helped foreshadow the resurrection with his message in John. 

Action

What is the context of your life that the Good News touches?  How does the message penetrate and resonate in your home, your work, your school and in what you do?

When people least expect it, someone shows up to help them.  Just like Jesus showed up on the walk to Emmaus to help the confused and depressed disciples understand, Philip showed up in the chariot to help the eunuch understand. 

Who is in your prayer life playing the role of showing up and enlightening your understanding?  A great homily?  A group reunion?  A teacher?  How can you help others understand?