The Magisterium of the Catholic Church authentically interprets Scripture (HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 3RD WEEK OF EASTER 27TH APRIL 2023

Homily for Thursday of the 3rd Week of Easter 27th April 2023

Acts 8:26-40. Psalm 66:8-9,16-17,20. John 6:44-51.

In the first reading, we have the story of the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch. He was a man of great authority who was reading the Scripture but did not understand what he was reading. 

Philip, the deacon, was directed by an angel of the Lord to go and meet the Ethiopian, and through this meeting, Philip guided the Ethiopian in understanding what he was reading in the Scripture. The passage the Ethiopian was reading was referring to the Suffering Servant in the Book of Isaiah. After the explanation by Philip, the Ethiopian asks for baptism. He was baptized and "went on his way rejoicing" (Acts 8:39).

We must admit that it is not easy to understand the Scriptures. Like the Ethiopian, we need a guide.  Scriptures can be read and understood in different ways. Scriptures need to be authentically interpreted to  understand their true meaning. The Magisterium  of the  Catholic Church authentically interprets Scripture. For God entrusted the Scriptures to his Church and not to private judgment of specialists.

Let  us learn from the Ethiopian eunuch who is an example to us to seek the truth contained in Scripture humbly, earnestly, sincerely, and diligently.

Jesus, in today's Gospel in continuation on the discourse on the Eucharist tells us, "I am the living: bread which came down from heaven; if anyone eats this bread, he will live forever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh" (John 6:51).

By offering himself in the form of  bread, Jesus renders homage of himself and of all creation of God. This living  bread, He makes avaliable for us at every every Holy Mass being celebrated by a Catholic priest. Every time the Eucharist is celebrated, let us be reminded of God's providence.

May God nourish us with his words in the Scriptures and with the Body and Blood of Jesus at Mass and through them  grant us salvation  through Christ our Lord. Amen