"How can I, " the man replied, "unless someone instructs me?""
Acts 8:31
The Ethiopian court official had just been to the Temple in Jerusalem to worship and was reading from the prophet Isaiah as he traveled home. "Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent,...." As he was wondering what the words could mean, he noticed a man running alongside his chariot. It was Philip the Apostle who had just been told by the Holy Spirit to head south on that road and to join up with that chariot! Philip asked the Ethiopian if he understood what he was reading? "How can I, the man replied, "unless someone instructs me?"" Philip then joined the Ethiopian and beginning with the scripture passage from Isaiah, proclaimed Jesus to him, and baptized him. As we courageously live the gospel as Catholic Christians, how many times have we heard, "I believe, but I don't need the Church. I can just read the Bible on my own?" Or "I'm spiritual but not religious." This passage is one to highlight as you speak to them as to why we need the Church. And we also cry out to God with joy for the grace of our baptism, and that Jesus has been proclaimed to us!
Are we ever ready, like Philip, to share the Good News of Jesus with others?
Holy Spirit, help me to never stop hungering for God's Word and your instruction, so that I may help others who are seeking to know you as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! Amen! Alleluia!
Today’s Reflection is by:
Holly Benfield
Did you know...
Holly Benfield is the RCIA Coordinator at St. John Vianney Parish in St. Pete Beach. The joy of seeing people being moved by the Holy Spirit to courageously inquire about Jesus Christ and His church and then growing in that love of Him, is truly one of the blessings of her life.
