Reflection
Acts 8:26-40
Psalm 66
John 6:44-51
Chapter 6 of John’s gospel is a strong statement on how we should understand our engagement of Jesus – it is most notably accomplished in the Eucharist. Those hearing the words did not fully understand what Jesus was saying. Many took it to mean they need to engage in cannibalism – well, that was, and is, not the case.
In our first reading today, we have the story of the Ethiopian eunuch meeting Philip along the road. With the help of an angel, Philip hears the eunuch reading Isaiah but not understanding the meaning. It is Philip who takes the time to engage the eunuch, help him understand who Jesus is, and then baptized the eunuch.
In the gospel, Jesus tells us that anyone who knows Jesus will know the Father. In the Eucharist we get to know Jesus more intimately than at any other moment. That is why it is so very important for us to take the time to help understand that we are engaging Jesus in the Eucharist as he calls us to Himself, He calls us to the Father.
I fell sad for people who have walked away from Jesus in the Eucharist. They either never learned who the Eucharist is, do not really care, can do without it, or figure they can just chat with Him now and then and accomplish the same thing – not so! That is why WE ALL need to be excited about the Eucharist and then share it with others – they will want what you have when they see how happy you are! Who do you need to bring back?
Go smile at God today!