Homily - Third Thursday of Easter (Acts 8:26-40) “Sharing a Precious Gift”
Homily - Third Thursday of Easter (Acts 8:26-40) “Sharing a Precious Gift”
Philip the Evangelist is often confused with Philip the Apostle. Jesus chooses Philip the Apostle to be one of the twelve. Philip the Evangelist was one of the first seven deacons who was chosen to serve the Greek speaking widows in chapter six of the Acts of the Apostles.
The deacons who were picked were not content just to do acts of charity, but they went out to spread the Gospel. We remember the story of Stephen which we read last week at Mass. He got in trouble with the religious authorities because of his zealous preaching and ended up being put to death.
We hear about Philip rushing out to spread the Gospel. Philip takes on the hard task of preaching to those were not mainstream Jesus. He first goes to Samaria to preach there. We know from the Gospel accounts that the Samaritans were not highly thought of. They had a different Theology from a typical Jew. Also, they had a different racial make-up so there was a prejudice towards them. Jews and Samaritans just did not get along. Yet, Philip goes to preach to them first.
We next hear of Philip preaching to the Ethiopian eunuch. We can imagine the audacity of Philip as he barges into the life of the eunuch whom he meets on the road. He converts the man on the spot.
Today Christian churches speak of evangelization. The churches want to win souls for Christ, but it is interesting that usually the people that are targeted are fallen away Christians or Christians who belong to other churches. Seldom do we seem to do the hard work of trying to convert people with no faith. Fifty percent of the population is unchurched, but we Christians spend most of our time trading members back and forth and ministering to the fifty percent of people who already believe.
We need to have some of the audacity of St. Philip who preached to whomever he happened to meet wherever he might encounter them. This takes a lot of courage.
Reflection Questions:
- Have I ever talked to a stranger about my faith in Jesus? What holds me back?
- Who have I evangelized besides my friends and relatives? Are my children the chief focus of my evangelization efforts? This is important, but should my efforts to introduce others to Jesus go beyond the children I parent?
Dear Parishioners,
I have had several parents approach me about having their children baptized the last few weeks. There seems to be something going on. We always have a few families who have older children who want them baptized, but now there seems to be a more intense interest. Perhaps it has been he uncertainty of the past year. Families are realizing how important having a spiritual life is.
Some children are young enough that they can be baptized without catechesis. Others who are older (five and above) might benefit from our RCIC program. We had three children participate last year. If children are enrolled at Seton School, they receive daily religious instruction. They could be prepared to be baptized after attending school for a year.
If you have children in your family or extended family who have not been baptized now might be the time. Please call our office at (309) 762-2362 and we will get the process started.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark