April 22, 2010
Thursday of the Third Week of Easter
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?” Acts 8:34-36
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, teach us as Philip teaches the Ethiopian man. Jesus, come into our midst through the word and works of your modern day apostles, so that we might better listen to and understand what the Father instructs. Holy Spirit, guide us to put these lessons to use in the action of our lives which is directed to fulfilling the will of the Father. Amen.
Study
Who was sent to bring the word of God to you?
Philip is sent by the Holy Spirit to the carriage carrying the Ethiopian at the very moment when the man is pondering the meaning of this passage in Isaiah:
Though he was harshly treated, he submitted and opened not his mouth; Like a lamb led to the slaughter or a sheep before the shearers, he was silent and opened not his mouth. Oppressed and condemned, he was taken away, and who would have thought any more of his destiny? When he was cut off from the land of the living, and smitten for the sin of his people, A grave was assigned him among the wicked and a burial place with evildoers, Though he had done no wrong nor spoken any falsehood. Isaiah 53:7-9
According to the notes in the New American Bible, this is a passage which says that Christianity, from its earliest origins, has applied to Jesus. The New Testament reiterates the same theme in Acts 3:13: The God of Abraham, (the God) of Isaac, and (the God) of Jacob, the God of our ancestors, has glorified his servant Jesus whom you handed over and denied in Pilate's presence, when he had decided to release him.
How is it that Philip arrived just in the nick of time? Coincidence? Hardly. This encounter helps to illustrate the point that God is teaching all of us through teachers who He sends forth to do his work.
Action
Once you learn your lessons, to whom are you sent forth to teach?
