Thursday, 3rd Week in Easter April 18, 2023

Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Thursday, 3rd Week in Easter
April 18, 2023, Acts of the Apostles 8:26-40; John 6:44-51
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041824.cfm

The Father’s Draw.

“No one can come to me,” Jesus says, “Unless the Father draws him.”

Think of Phillip’s excitement as he gets into the Ethiopian’s chariot. Notice that He didn’t seek out the man on his own. Instead, the Holy Spirit led him to the place where the court official was passing by.

Then He told him to get into the chariot. Now, St. Luke tells us that Philip ran. Did you hear the excitement in that statement? His heart was pounding even before he started running.

When he got there, he found that the same drawing power and attraction he had for Jesus was in the Ethiopian. “No one can come to me,” Jesus says, “Unless the Father draws him.” Likewise, the people we meet daily have that same drawing power from the Father to Jesus in us.

Our presence at the holy Mass every day isn’t a habit. The Father wakes us up with the longing for Jesus, a longing we know no one else can fulfill. And once we eat the Flesh of Jesus and He consumes us by His longing for us in Holy Communion, the Father tells us, ”Like Philip, go seek out to all whom I am drawing to Jesus and don’t know it.”

Without being nosy, ask a question about the person you meet and what is happening in their life, as Philip asked the Ethiopian. Always ask with a deep concern for the person. Your sincere interest will allow them to trust you in Jesus’ name.

Gospel Challenge:
As they share the story of their ups and downs, trust the Holy Spirit to give you a word of life to let them know they are not alone. As Luke tells us in Acts, ”Philip opened his mouth and beginning with the Scripture passage, he proclaimed Jesus to him.” Nothing would’ve happened if Philip hadn’t opened his mouth.

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com