Proclaim!

The Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go up and meet that chariot.’ When Philip ran up, he heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ ‘How can I’ he replied ‘unless I have someone to guide me?’

A great persecution of the Church has broken out following the martyrdom of Stephen.  Believers scatter, including Philip who meets the Ethiopian official on the road.  The Ethiopian is obviously devout and seeking God as he is reading scripture while travelling.  Prompted by the Holy Spirit, Philip engages in conversation, explains the scriptures and leads the Ethiopian to a dramatic conversion.

I love this story.  It shows how the Church under persecution is at its most potent.  Instead of crumbling, the persecuted Church thrives.  This is as true today as it was two thousand years ago.  I belong to the "Church Militant".  Yes, under persecution but not disheartened.  There is no place for being lukewarm. Today is a time to be authentic and white-hot for my faith.

Come Holy Spirit and embolden me to preach the Good News of Jesus to a world that does not know Him.
Saint Philip please pray for me.

Cry Out With Joy!

Yes, it is my Father’s will that whoever sees the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and that I shall raise him up on the last day.
Jn.6:40

Jesus is at the height of His public ministry.  He has just fed the five thousand.  He has just walked across the Sea of Galilea.  The crowds are clambering after Him.  It is at this point that He proclaims clearly who He is and what has has come for.  "I am the bread of life".  "Eat my flesh... drink my blood".  And the ultimate promise, "...and I shall raise you up on the last day". 

There is still a bubbling Easter joy within me.  We are passing through the middle of the Easter season, the fifty days of resurrection awe and wonder at what Jesus' rising from the dead actually means.  It is a time to unwrap the Pascal Mystery.  Jesus truly lived, He truly died and was truly buried in a true grave... and He truly rose again!  What does this mean?  I shall be raised up with Him on the last day.

Today is a day for me to "Cry out with joy to God all the earth" (Psalm 65:1)

Thank you Jesus for what You promise me, eternal life with You.  You are my source of hope and Joy.
Little Flower, please pray for me.