Acts 8:4-40: Magic or Mystery
Friday, December 5, 2025
Written on March 10 and posted today as a Favorite . . .
In today’s Noontime we have the juxtaposition of Simon the magician – who uses sleight of hand and deceit to lure in an audience – with Philip the apostle – who allows the Spirit to work through him to call others to Christ. Which are we today? Who are our friends, family, companions and colleagues? What do we expect from our world? How do we interact with all of God’s creatures and God’s creation?
Following the martyring of Stephen, the apostles scatter. This brutal act which was meant to stifle the Spirit only carries it out into the world. As always, God turns all harm to good – if we prepare ourselves to receive God’s gift of grace.
We might examine our conscience as we move into our Lenten journey.
You thought you could obtain God’s gift with money . . . Pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you . . .
Do I want to know the truth even when inconvenient?
Peter said . . . your heart is not right with God . . .
Will I accept critique, even when it is delivered unkindly?
How can I understand [the Gospel] unless someone guides me . . .?
Am I willing to listen more than I talk?
The crowds listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did . . .
Do I consistently create time and space for God in my life no matter the circumstance?
Now those [apostles] who were scattered went from place to place . . .
Am I willing to proclaim the good news even when joy eludes me?
Philip proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus . . .
We cannot purchase or earn God’s grace in any way. God’s grace is not a trick that fools the eye or ear. God’s grace is the action of Spirit that moves within and through us. The proper response to this gift is our gratitude, our fidelity, and our willingness to build the kingdom with all who are likewise called by God.
We may be tempted to worry only about ourselves and we may want to think that our relationship with God is with God alone. We find out, once we begin to listen well, that we are to act in concord with one another despite and even because of our differences. God’s great oneness is not a monolith but a kaleidoscope variety of his creatures and creation. Once we begin to notice what attracts us to God, once we begin to discern our reason for seeking God, we will know if we are looking for magic to solve our problems, or the Spirit that transforms us into faithful kingdom builders.
A re-post from November 10, 2011.
The Noontimes 