May 5. The parents continued their discussion.  “That story of Philip and him sharing the story of Jesus in such a way that the Ethiopian was convinced enough to ask for baptism is really powerful.  In the Catholic church do we have such preachers that can hold our and the kids’ attention? Since lockdown and church-hopping we could find preachers and liturgies we found more enjoyable than our own old parish back home.”  “It is a problem that the style in other denominations’ churches can be more dynamic.” “We need to explore more as there are programmes, some for youth, like Theology of the Body or for adult too like Charismatic or Encounter movements that do grab people with new insight of spirituality.” 

Scripture. An Ethiopian, a eunuch, a minister to the queen had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning in his chariot while reading the prophet Isaiah, “Like a sheep, led to the slaughter, or a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opened not his mouth.” The Spirit told Philip to join him and Philip explained the passage and told him the good news of Jesus. As they came to some water the eunuch asked to be baptized. After that the Spirit took Philip away and, passing on, he preached the gospel to all the towns. Acts 8:26-40.  Pope Francis:  The Gospel of the Family responds to the deepest expectations of the human person: a response to each one’s dignity and fulfilment in reciprocity, communion and fruitfulness.  This consists not merely in presenting a set of rules but in proposing values that are clearly needed today. AL201.  Reflect, share Do I make enough efforts to renew and enrich my faith experience?     pray. Mary, full of grace, always filled with God’s presence.