Daily Devotional

The Holy Eucharist is the best protection any human can ever have. As Jesus protected the Christians in Damascus from Saul’s raid, Jesus would surely protect you from the plans of your enemies, whether known or unknown. As a communicant, no one can cut short your life or kill you before your time.

Philip’s encounter with the Eunuch successfully led to his conversion and subsequent baptism. This success did not come from Philip’s eloquence, holiness, knowledge, teaching skills, ability to work miracles or respectful behaviour. God alone deserves all the glory because He prepared the heart of the Eunuch to receive His Word. Jesus explains this in today’s Gospel passage: “No one can come to me unless the Father draws him.” (John 6:44).

Today’s First Reading teaches us that God can bring good out of even the most painful circumstances. Saul’s persecution pushed the church out of its comfort zone, leading to the discovery of many believers’ talents and gifts. Like food that has to be cooked before its nutritional value comes out, hardship cooks us. It transforms us, making us stronger, more resilient. One shining example is Philip, who was forced to go to Samaria. Philip converted multitudes, and God used him to work great signs and wonders.