There is a wonderful concern named in the first reading for today. It is a fundamental characteristic of Luke’s gospel. The author of the Third Gospel wants to ensure that his Gentile believers (all future believers as well) make profound connections with “Moses, the prophets, and the psalms.” So, Philip’s encounter with the eunuch (a Gentile) demonstrates that concern. More so… The eunuch refers to one of THE passages that Jesus must have quoted on the road to Emmaus when opening the minds of the two disciples as to “why the Christ had to suffer and die and so enter into his glory.” That’s still our question, isn’t it? Why? Not only WHY, but “won’t you tell us what you told the eunuch… the disciples on the way to Emmaus? All our Triduum services lead us in and out of the mystery of Jesus’ death and resurrection answering the question ritually, liturgically, scripturally, but… is it ever fully answered? While we marvel at the belief of the eunuch, let us also seek to know Christ more deeply and find the answer in our lives… why do we have to suffer? We also might marvel at the “bread that comes down from heaven…” that is a share in this same Christ who died and rose for us? How do the Word, baptism, Eucharist, and our Easter rituals address us in our gut? What is the Risen Christ sharing with us this season? Happy Easter! |