Are you taking a trip?

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In the Acts of the Apostles, (Chapter 8, verse 26+) Philip took a trip.  An angel spoke to him and he headed off down a desert route to Gaza.  Have you had an angel speak to you, directing your journey?

Along Philip's journey, he came across an Ethiopian *eunuch riding along in a chariot, reading the prophet Isaiah.  The eunuch needed some help understanding what he was reading, so Philip "opened his mouth and, beginning with this scripture passage, he proclaimed Jesus to him."  (He was reading Isaiah 53:7-8)

This account usually focuses on the Ethiopian's conversion, but I think there is something additional for us to consider.

This encounter took place because Philip listened and followed God's prompting.  And, he was ready to accompany the Ethiopian, teach him, walk with him to his baptism, and--here's the interesting part--after he had completed the task God had given him, move on to continue his work.

Now you may not be in a position to instruct someone like Philip did, and you may not have the authority to baptize, but each of us certainly has a responsibility to accompany others.  In fact, that is an important part of being a Christian and that is exactly what Philip did.

How do you do accompany others?

Maybe it will be through friendship.  Or maybe it will be through your prayers.  If you are in ministry, your responsibility may be a bit more obvious, but no matter where God leads you, be faithful in your response, and be willing to move on when God indicates it's time.

Notice in Acts of the Apostles, "Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 

Sometimes it begins with a simple question. Never let fear hold you back, for whatever you might need, God will provide it.

Janet Cassidy
janetcassidy.blogspot.com

* a man who has been castrated, especially (in the past) one employed to guard the women's living areas at an oriental court.

In light of the current news surrounding the issue of abortion, I encourage you to actively support life in every instance.  Do not get lost in semantics.  Stick with the truth.  God creates life and Christians (and all others) have a duty to protect it by creating a framework to do so.

HERE is an excellent resource, "Principles of Catholic Social Teaching" that covers a variety of themes, that is worth studying. 

Decline to Sign ~ read Bishop Boyea's (Catholic Diocese of Lansing) response HERE

 




 

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