The question Philip asks the Eunuch in today’s First Reading could just as well be directed to us when we read Scripture: “Do you understand what you are reading?” Studies in Sacred Scripture can be complex: they can involve studying ancient languages and cultures, literary criticism, history, and other academic disciplines. The secret is that everyone who reads Scripture, if they’re intellectually honest, has to respond, just like the eunuch, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?” Experts may argue over what the human author had to say, and back it up with cogent arguments, but the understanding for which everyone really strives is what God is saying through Scripture, and the Lord wants us to seek help. Every Scripture scholar and ordained minister has received a catechism, and then instruction in interpreting Sacred Scripture. The eunuch knows he is missing something, which is why he “begs” Philip to answer his question about the prophecy of Isaiah because he knows there is something important to him there.
That kind of burning curiosity comes from something deeper than simple suspense or intellectual interest. The Holy Spirit sent Philip to meet this man and give him the answers for which he was looking, just as Our Lord has sent the Apostles and their successors, the bishops, to help us find the answers we seek, aided by the Holy Spirit. Interpretations of Scripture can vary, even contradict each other, but Our Lord has helped us with the guides he has appointed to break interpretative stalemates with the authentic interpretation, the Magisterium.
When’s the last time you dusted off your Bible and read it? Sacred Scripture always has something to say, and there are good commentaries out there and the Catechism to help answer the questions you find there. Hopefully they are burning questions, because that shows the Holy Spirit is at work and wants to reveal something amazing to you. Don’t be shy about asking for help.
Readings: Acts 8:26–40; Psalm 66:8–9, 16–17, 20; John 6:44–51. See also 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B, 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time,Cycle B, and 3rd Week of Easter, Thursday.
