His Word Today: Philip

Good morning everyone,

Has anyone ever noticed that some people are part of our lives for a very long time - some of these are family but there are also friends who find their way into our hearts and truly become confidants - and then there are others whose lives intertwine with ours for much shorter periods of time.  In fact, some of these seem to arrive on the scene and disappear almost without us recognizing their comings and goings.

Such is the case that is recounted in the reading from the Acts of the Apostles that is told in today's liturgy. The angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, 'Get up and head south on the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza ...' (Acts 8: 26) and there he met a high-ranking Ethiopian man who was travelling.  Perhaps Philip did not know why he had been instructed to go to that particular place.  Even when he first encountered the man, he may not have known the purpose of this meeting ... until he noticed the book that he was reading and asked: Do you understand what you are reading? (Acts 8:30).  This was the beginning of a conversation that ultimately led the man to become a follower of Christ.

Sometimes we who are disciples of Jesus find our lives intertwining with others for brief encounters or for much longer periods of time.  At times, we are not fully aware of the significance of our encounters.  Only with time, bravery and after having entered into conversation do we begin to comprehend the ways in which God is at work within the hearts of others ... and in our own hearts as well.  There are moments when our paths cross with others - only for brief moments - and even without us realizing what is happening, others see the presence of Jesus within us.  Sometimes, we are led into conversations with them and given opportunities to speak about Jesus: to explain that he is the bread of life (cf Jn 6: 48), the source of our strength ... and at such moments, we must always pray for holy bravery and trust that God is at work.

Pray today for the grace to be aware of the encounters we come upon, and for the grace to marvel at the ways in which the Lord is constantly at work, inviting others to come to Him.  Don't be surprised if He invites you to be the one who shows His merciful face to a brother or sister in need.  If so, give thanks ...

Have a great day.