Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

*** Revised Common Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: Acts 8:26-40 CLASSIC POEM: St. Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch John Keble ’TWAS silent all and dead Beside the barren sea, Where Philip’s steps were led, Led by a voice from Thee— He rose and went, nor ask’d Thee why, Nor stay’d to heave one faithless sigh: Upon his lonely way The high-born traveller came, Reading a mournful lay Of “One who bore our shame, Silent Himself, His name untold, And yet His glories were of old.” To muse what Heaven might mean His wandering brow he rais’d, And met an eye serene That on him watchful gaz’d. No hermit e’er so welcome cross’d A child’s lone path in woodland lost. Now wonder turns to love; The scrolls of sacred lore No darksome mazes prove; The desert tires no more: They bathe where holy waters flow, Then on their way rejoicing go. They part to meet in heaven; But of the joy they share, Absolving and forgiven, The sweet remembrance bear. Yes—mark him well, ye cold and proud, Bewilder’d in a heartless crowd, Starting and turning pale At Rumour’s angry din— No storm can now assail The charm he wears within, Rejoicing still, and doing good, And with the thought of God imbu’d. No glare of high estate, No gloom of woe or want, The radiance can abate Where Heaven delights to haunt. Sin only hides the genial ray, And, round the Cross, makes night of day. Then weep it from thy heart; So may’st thou duly learn The intercessor’s part, Thy prayers and tears may earn For fallen souls some healing breath, Ere they have died th’ Apostate’s death. *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: Soliloquy of the Ethiopian Eunuch Robert Phillips SNIPPET: The miracle began with a miracle. I was sitting in my gold-trimmed chariot (well, not exactly my chariot—like all my accoutrements, it belongs to her— Candace, Queen of all the Ethiopians. But since she put me in charge of her treasure, I have the opportunity to live high. … [ READ THE FULL POEM ]