Reflecting on today’s reading, I have a renewed appreciation for the roles of the Evangelist Philip, one of the seven appointed and sent forth by the Apostles, and the Ethiopian eunuch in the unfolding of salvation history. They are important not just for what they accomplished but as examples of what can be accomplished when anyone chooses to respond “yes” when God initiates.
Following the instructions of the Apostles, Philip leaves Jerusalem to escape Saul’s persecution. We do not know how he feels about leaving his community behind: siblings, parents, lifelong friends, the Apostles, and others. Does he experience any reservations or fears about traveling alone? We only know that he chooses to follow his calling to preach the message that Jesus is the Messiah. Philip must have practiced silencing his interior noise and distractions (doubts, busyness, worries) so he could listen for God’s voice. How do we know this? Because of Philip’s response to the prompting of the Spirit, “Get up and head south from Jerusalem to Gaza.”
God also initiates a desire for understanding in the heart and soul of the eunuch. Philip deeply trusts God, so there is no questioning or hesitancy when he hears, “Go and join up with that chariot.” He welcomes the opportunity to explain the scriptures, telling his student who fulfills the prophecies and that salvation is available to anyone who accepts that Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6:44-51). Under the influence of God’s Spirit, the eunuch asks, “What is to prevent me from being baptized?” Philip recognizes that God is inviting the eunuch, so he baptizes him before the Spirit of the Lord snatches him away.
Following his baptism, we read that the eunuch continues on his way rejoicing, but then what happens? As an influential member of the Ethiopian Queen’s court, he has access to numerous opportunities to share his story. His friends, other court officials, and his household servants are some of the people he can talk to about his conversion. He has the resources to host traveling evangelists, offering them food, shelter, and audiences to hear their teachings. Does he start a home church? Does he baptize others into the Christian faith? We might not know the details of his life, but according to Ethiopian Church tradition, he is considered the first Christian missionary of Ethiopia (Dictionary of African Christian Biography).
Philip ventures beyond Jerusalem to preach to anyone who will listen. The eunuch, desiring understanding, invites a wandering teacher to explain the scriptures. Their stories intersect because both say “yes” to God’s invitation. The outcome of their brief encounter is the first step toward the founding of the Ethiopian Christian Church that continues to exist today.
Neither Philip nor the eunuch knew the outcome of their work. It is only with the benefit of hindsight that I can see how important these individuals are within God’s story. There are two invitations I hear. First, take the time to notice how God is continuing to unfold salvation history in and through simple encounters – every day. The second is to recognize that I have a role to play in God’s plan. All that is required is to listen and to say “yes” when God initiates.
Gladyce Janky
I joined the School of Pharmacy and Health Profession as a chaplain in 2015, subsequently working in the Law and Graduate Schools and Heider College of Business. I continued working with distance graduate students after moving to Sun City, AZ, in 2021. I transitioned to my current life phase in July 2023, when I retired. I am a graduate of the CSP program with two master’s degrees and hold certificates in the History of the Ignatian Tradition and Spiritual Direction and Directed Retreats.
Writing reflections helps me break open the transformative power of scripture. The message is alive and relevant to me when I put myself into the story. Jesus is not just “back there.” He is here accompanying me. I share what I write with others to invite them to listen to how God is inviting them to greater spiritual freedom.
