The Faith of the Ethiopian Eunuch

This meditation is based on a passage for August 19, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Acts 8:26-40

Reflection and Question: I reflected upon the baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch last year. The same passage, so central to the Scriptural foundation for GLBT inclusion in the church, arises again in the Daily Lectionary here. There was a time when the church could not see the leadership of Miriam, Mary or Priscilla and so would not ordain women. The day will come when we see that the Spirit falls upon the eunuch here — considered in his day to be what we now call a GLBT person — and he goes home to found the Christian church in Ethiopia, according to tradition. How does this passage support ordination for GLBT Christians called by God?

Prayer: Spirit Divine, we find this unnamed eunuch reading Scripture, a faithful man already. Before our eyes, he receives Philip, absorbs his teaching and asks to be baptized. His is a faith strong enough to build a church. May ours be so as well. Amen.