Access daily Mass readings, meditations and articles, as well as special resources, by becoming a subscriber or logging in. Subscribers: Please log in to view the Mass readings. Not a subscriber? Subscribe for only $12 (Save $4). Get up and head south on the road. (Acts 8:26) Arlene was on her way home from work when she noticed a motorcycle accident and felt the Lord urging her to stop. She pulled over and knelt beside a biker lying on the street. He was in bad shape but still alive. Leaning close to his ear, she began to pray with him. He whispered that he remembered his mom’s active and fervent faith in Jesus. So Arlene helped him recommit his life to the Lord. She stayed with him until an ambulance arrived, praying with him and calming his fears. When she got home hours later with blood on her clothes, her daughters were alarmed. All she could say was, “I knew I had to stop.” We see something similar in today’s first reading when the Lord tells Philip to take the desert road toward Gaza. It might seem strange that God would give him such specific directions. But Philip had been learning to listen to such promptings. Having fled persecution in Jerusalem, he had already been preaching and working wonders in Samaria. So he had become familiar with how God worked when he responded with obedience to his direction. In this case, Jesus was inviting Philip to be part of a life-changing event for an Ethiopian court official. As Philip saw the chariot and heard what the man was reading, he saw the Lord’s plan unfolding. So seizing the chance to tell him about Jesus, he approached and spoke to the man inside. And the official’s life was forever changed. These stories may seem extreme. But God loves to guide us as we strive to bring him to the world. Think back on your own life. Perhaps a line from Scripture stirred your heart and led you to invite a friend to a Bible study or start serving at a food bank. Or you heard a message in a homily that brought you comfort, so you shared it with a coworker who was struggling. Maybe you ran into someone at the store and struck up a conversation that led you to share about Jesus. 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.”
Saint George, Martyr (Optional Memorial)
DAILY MASS READINGS AVAILABLE WITH A SUBSCRIPTION
Daily Meditation: Acts 8:26-40
Psalm 66:8-9, 16-17, 20
John 6:44-51