Who is this unnamed man? Why is he notable? St. Luke provides three important clues. First, he was a court official of the queen of Ethiopia. Second, he was in charge of her entire treasury. Third, we find him reading the prophet Isaiah. We can infer that the eunuch must have been both highly intelligent and well educated. He was likely of Jewish origin to want to worship in Jerusalem.

I like to think of this unbaptized eunuch as one of the early catechumens. As such, he has some things to teach us about how to approach our Christian “walk” with the Lord.

For one thing — distance. Ethiopia is near the horn of Africa, half a continent away from Asia Minor where Jerusalem is located. His trip likely stretched more than 2,500 miles through modern day Sudan and Egypt, across the Sinai Peninsula, and on to the city of David. That’s approximately the land distance from New York City to Phoenix. That’s one long chariot ride for God! On this point alone, the eunuch should be an inspiration for pilgrims and sojourners everywhere.

Next, the eunuch showed humility. He tells Philip, “How can I [understand] unless someone instructs me?” (Acts 8:31) He invited Philip to sit with him and allowed the apostle to teach him. Curious and receptive, the eunuch not only listened but also was transformed.

The climax of the reading occurs when the eunuch sees water and professes an act of faith, “What is to prevent my being baptized?” (Acts 8:36) The eunuch embraces baptism “with water and the spirit” and becomes a new creation in Christ. Then he “continued on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:39) that he had come to full knowledge and communion with God, never to be the same again.

The final message here is one of inclusion. God’s love is for everyone. As St. Paul writes to the Galatians, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal 3:28) Therefore, despite being surgically neutered, the eunuch was still a whole person in the eyes of God. Whole and wholesome.

Heart and character are what matter to God. All we have to do is accept the Word of God and live by his precepts. The eunuch did. He went the distance for the Lord, demonstrating genuine humility and profound faith. His baptism confirms that participation in the body of Christ is meant for all people. What an example of a devoted Christian. Can we say the same?