The Suffering Servant did not “open his mouth”, but on this day Philip does. The Ethiopian eunuch was puzzling over this passage from the prophet, Isaiah, when sent by an angel of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, Philip turns up on the same road.
The Jesuits have an expression, “you go in their door and bring them out yours.” Philip stepped into the euncuh’s chariot, “then opened his mouth and, beginning with this scripture passage, he proclaimed Jesus to him.” Philip must have made quite an inspiring and compelling case about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, and his “posterity”, that is, the rapidly growing community of believers living together for their common good and the good of those around them. As soon as the eunuch saw the water along the route, he wanted to be baptized, to join Philip in belonging to Christ.
Each year at the Easter Vigil my parish does all the readings and psalms, some in English, some in Spanish, savoring and anticipating the return of light and alleluias to the sanctuary while the story of our salvation is proclaimed. When finally the trumpets and choir begin ¡Resucitó! light fills the church, bells start ringing and the place comes alive with clapping and dancing. The joy of the newly baptized and confirmed infects the whole assembly, and the sacraments of our initiation are renewed. Our sense of belonging to Christ and to each other, past, present, and future is deepened.
Recall those who inspired your own journey of faith, helping you draw closer to Jesus, and to his body, the Church. Then ask the Lord in prayer, how has he used you to inspire others you encountered along the way? How might he today? Rejoice!
—Jenéne Francis, Provincial Assistant for Pastoral Ministries, Chicago-Detroit Province and Wisconsin Province