Each week, I take some time to reflect on one of the lectionary passages for the upcoming Sunday. This week for the fifth Sunday of Easter, we're going to look at Acts 8:26-40. 

The story of Philip and the Ethiopian is fairly well-known and has a lot of implications for the inclusiveness of the gospel. What's always been remarkable to me is Philip's unwavering obedience. He does not hesitate to go up to this stranger from a strange land when prompted. But I wonder what would have happened if he was a bit more like us. What if he let his fears and prejudices slow him down a bit. When I begin to think about these things, I start forming imaginary conversations in my head. That is what follows. I should stress that it's imaginary and I am not suggesting that any of this is what Philip or the Holy Spirit would actually say.

Spirit: Go over to this chariot and join it.

Philip: Are you sure?

Spirit: I'm sorry, did I stutter?