Word to the Wise
Thursday, April 30, 2009 - Thursday in the Third Week of Easter [St. Pius V, Dominican and Pope]
[Acts 8:26-40 and John 6:44-51]"Do you understand what you are reading?" He replied, "How can I, unless someone instructs me.?"
The encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian, like so many in the Acts of the Apostles, has significance beyond itself. Here is a non-Jew who is nevertheless a believer in God but is struggling to understand a literature, the prophet Isaiah, that comes from a different culture. When Philip asks his question, the Ethiopian invites him into the chariot for a session of instruction that results in baptism! Most folks who take part in RCIA programs or who help to conduct such programs will tell us that it doesn't happen quite that quickly in most cases! But, hey, the Acts of the Apostles is trying to tell a story of how conversion can occur. As the great theologian of story, John Shea, once wrote: "All stories are true. Some of them even happen!" It might be helpful to put ourselves in each role. As the Ethiopian, would we be willing to admit our ignorance of the scriptures and invite explanation and instruction? (For example, attend a bible study at our parish or start a bible study group?) As Philip, would we have the courage to follow the nudging of the Spirit and offer to help someone understand our Catholic faith and heritage? (For example, would we be willing to serve as a sponsor for someone in an RCIA program?) Oh yes! The "stories" in the Acts of the Apostles are not just edifying legends of spiritual heroes of the early years of Christianity. They are stories of our own time. The Spirit is the same! Where is our courage? AMEN
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