As we reflect on the powerful passage from the Acts of the Apostles about Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch, we are reminded of the universal reach of the Gospel and the call to evangelization that resonates deeply within us, especially at this moment as the cardinals gather in conclave to seek the successor of Peter, so that under his guidance, the Church can continue to spread the good news of our Lord to all the ends of the earth.

The story of Philip and the eunuch is a vivid illustration of divine guidance and openness to the Holy Spirit. Philip is led by the Spirit to approach a man seeking understanding, and through that encounter, the Gospel is proclaimed, leading to baptism and a new life in Christ. The eunuch’s question, “What is to prevent my being baptized?” signifies his openness and readiness to receive the gift of faith. This is important to keep in mind. We need to present truth and in particular, gospel truth, in a way where we are gently and lovingly inviting the person in question to consider it. That person needs to want to hear and listen and then hopefully accept the truth and apply it to their lives. Never ought the truth to be forced.
This narrative is also not just about individual conversion; it reflects the mission of the Church, which is to bring the Good News to all corners of the world, crossing boundaries of race, culture, and status. The eunuch, a court official from Ethiopia, represents the farthest reaches of the known world at that time—a reminder that the message of salvation is for everyone.
As the Church continues its discernment in conclave, we are called to pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. The Cardinals, like Philip, are seeking wisdom and clarity to choose the next shepherd of the universal Church—a successor of Peter who will lead with humility, faith, and courage. Their deliberations are a reflection of the ongoing divine mission to evangelize and to serve as servants of unity and truth.
In today’s Gospel from John, Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life; whoever eats this bread will live forever.” This profound statement reminds us that Christ is our sustenance, our source of eternal life. The bread that Jesus offers is not just physical nourishment but spiritual sustenance—His very Flesh and Blood, given for the salvation of the world.
In this moment of waiting and prayer, let us remember that the Church’s mission is rooted in this divine nourishment. Just as Philip was attentive to the Spirit’s prompting and the eunuch’s openness, so too must we be receptive to the Holy Spirit’s guiding in our lives and in the life of the Church.
Let us pray for the cardinals in conclave: that the Holy Spirit may inspire their deliberations, guiding them to choose a successor who will continue to lead the Church with mercy, wisdom, and fidelity to Christ’s mission. May we all be inspired by the example of Philip—faithful, attentive, and ready to proclaim the Good News—to bring the Gospel to every person we encounter. And like the apostles, may the Mother of our Lord, whom he gave to us to be our Mother, always remain prayerfully in our midst as the tender intercessor she has always been, powerful and efficacious before God’s presence, so that the Lord, who is the living bread of life, will continue to sustain us all on our journey, that we may rejoice in His salvation and continue His work in the world with renewed zeal.
Amen.
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