Be a Philip

Mass Readings: April 10

First:	Acts 8:26-40
Resp:	Psalm 66:8-9,16-17,20
Gospel:	John 6:44-51

John 6:44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day.

Think about it for a moment.  If the Spirit had not told Philip to go to the Eunuch, he might not have been converted, and the Gospel he took back to Africa would have had to wait.  Who knows how that would change the course of history.

The point is, the Eunuch's opportunity to believe was granted by the Holy Spirit.  His willingness was of his own free will, but the opportunity was given to him.  This is called Grace.  Grace is the opportunity to do or be better.  Not the guarantee that we will do/be better, but the opportunity. 

Jesus says that we can't come to him unless it is given to us by the Father.  That means that we have to be given the opportunity to come to him.  This is first by being forgiven, then by being led by the Spirit.  And how can we learn if there is no one to teach us?  The Body of Christ is made up of many members, and we must all play our part as well as allow others to play their part.  If it is someone's part to teach me, then I must be able and willing to be taught. If it is someone's part to learn then I must be willing and able to teach.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to see the grace, or the opportunities that you give me everyday to obey you. Help me not to reject them but to rejoice in them and give you many thanks.  Help me also to be an instrument of opportunity for others as well, help me to be a Philip.

Amen