The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to ponder how God is continuing to unfold salvation history in and through simple encounters – every day.
In the Reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Philip teaches the Ethiopian about Christ.
* [8:26–40] In the account of the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, Luke adduces additional evidence to show that the spread of Christianity outside the confines of Judaism itself was in accord with the plan of God. He does not make clear whether the Ethiopian was originally a convert to Judaism or, as is more probable, a “God-fearer” (Acts 10:1), i.e., one who accepted Jewish monotheism and ethic and attended the synagogue but did not consider himself bound by other regulations such as circumcision and observance of the dietary laws. The story of his conversion to Christianity is given a strong supernatural cast by the introduction of an angel (Acts 8:26), instruction from the holy Spirit (Acts 8:29), and the strange removal of Philip from the scene (8:39).
* [8:27] The Candace: Candace is not a proper name here but the title of a Nubian queen.
* [8:30–34] Philip is brought alongside the carriage at the very moment when the Ethiopian is pondering the meaning of Is 53:7–8, a passage that Christianity, from its earliest origins, has applied to Jesus; cf. note on Acts 3:13.
* [8:37] The oldest and best manuscripts of Acts omit this verse, which is a Western text reading: “And Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ And he said in reply, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’” (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)
Psalm 66 offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving.
* [Psalm 66] In the first part (Ps 66:1–12), the community praises God for powerful acts for Israel, both in the past (the exodus from Egypt and the entry into the land [Ps 66:6]) and in the present (deliverance from a recent but unspecified calamity [Ps 66:8–12]). In the second part (Ps 66:13–20), an individual from the rescued community fulfills a vow to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving. As often in thanksgivings, the rescued person steps forward to teach the community what God has done (Ps 66:16–20). (Psalms, PSALM 66 | USCCB, n.d.)
The Gospel of John continues Jesus' “Bread of Life Discourse”.
* [6:35–59] Up to Jn 6:50 “bread of life” is a figure for God’s revelation in Jesus; in Jn 6:51–58, the eucharistic theme comes to the fore. There may thus be a break between Jn 6:50–51.
* [6:43] Murmuring: the word may reflect the Greek of Ex 16:2, 7–8. (John, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)
Gladyce Janky comments that 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. (Janky, n.d.)
Don Schwager quotes “Studying the Scriptures with humility”, by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"My ambition as a youth was to apply to the study of the Holy Scriptures all the refinement of dialectics. I did so, but without the humility of the true searcher. I was supposed to knock at the door so that it would open for me. Instead I was pushing it closed, trying to understand in pride what is only learned in humility. However, the all-merciful Lord lifted me up and kept me safe." (excerpt from Sermon 51,6) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 8:26-40 comments that these stories may seem extreme. But God loves to guide us as we strive to bring him to the world.
The Lord might guide you to do something “big” like Arlene or Philip. But every day, he will surely show you more ordinary opportunities to follow his lead and share his good news. So open your heart and listen for his promptings today.
“Jesus, help me to follow your lead today.” (Meditation on Acts 8:26-40, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler comments that we hear Philip is sent to the Gaza road and has a unique encounter with a ‘God fearer” who sympathizes with Jewish ways. The eunuch is reading from Deutero-Isaiah and the song of the suffering servant. Philip describes Jesus as the one being talked about. In Trito-Isaiah eunuchs are also fruitful in the land beyond the Jewish boundaries. John 6 proclaims Jesus as the Bread of Life. He is the bread. Accept Him and they will learn what the Father has intended. Emphasis initially is on teaching and learning presenting Jesus as Wisdom Incarnate in a connection to the Hebrew Testament. In the last verse, Jesus is proclaimed as flesh or “sarx” for the life of the world. In John, “sarx” is mostly positive. “The word became flesh”; Jesus is saying the Incarnation is continued in the Sacrament. Friar Jude notes, in John, we are marrying our God in matrimonial imagery.
Father Richard Rohr, OFM, draws on the wisdom of Scripture and tradition, and urges respect and recognition of God’s presence in the natural world. Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274), a Doctor of the Church, explained this theologically. Francis of Assisi knew it experientially.
How could humans think we were the only or even the main event? Not only did we think that Earth was the center of the universe; we were certain our human species was the only one that God really cared about. All of creation was just a stage set for the human drama. Normally that is called narcissism. We extracted the soul from everything else. Nature was simply here for our utilitarian purpose, to be used for our consumption. With this belief system, we entered into a state of profound alienation from our own surroundings. We no longer belonged to this world because there was nothing worth belonging to. It was no longer naturally sacred, deserving our reverence or respect. We could rape, plunder, and misuse the earth. We could torture animals and destroy ecosystems because we thought they had no inherent value. We acted as though we were fully in charge.
Every day we have opportunities to reconnect with God through an encounter with nature, whether an ordinary sunrise, a starling on a power line, a tree in a park, or a cloud in the sky. This spirituality doesn’t depend on education or belief. It almost entirely depends on our capacity for simple presence. Often those without formal education and “unbelievers” do this better than many educated, religious people. I have met many like this who put me to shame. (Rohr, n.d.)
We invite the Spirit to enlighten the experiences that highlight the Presence of Christ in our lives as bread for our journey.
References
Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 23, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/8?26
Janky, G. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton On Line Ministries. Retrieved April 23, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-april-23-2026
John, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 23, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/6?44
Meditation on Acts 8:26-40. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved April 23, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/04/23/1548784/
Psalms, PSALM 66 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 23, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/66?8
Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved April 23, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/recognizing-gods-grace/
Schwager, D. (n.d.). If Anyone Eats of This Bread, He Will Live for Ever. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 23, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/
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