Optional Memorial of St. Adalbert, Bishop and Martyr

Brief Background:

Saint Adalbert (c. 956–997) was a bishop from Prague who struggled with the moral and spiritual state of his people. Despite resistance and even being forced into exile, he remained committed to preaching the Gospel. Eventually, he became a missionary to the pagan peoples of Prussia, where he was martyred for the faith. His witness helped strengthen Christianity in Central and Eastern Europe.

Saint Adalbert is the patron saint of Prague, Bohemia, Poland and Hungary.

REFLECTION:

I have to admit—I chuckled a bit when I read this line: “Look, there is water. What is to prevent my being baptized?”

There’s something almost simple… even a little humorous about it. The eunuch doesn’t overthink it. He doesn’t schedule a meeting, doesn’t ask for a process, doesn’t say, “Let me think about it.” He just sees water and says, “Well… what’s stopping me?”

And that’s the point. Because if we’re honest, we usually do the opposite.

We overanalyze. We delay. We create reasons why now is not the right time.

But this man—this Ethiopian eunuch—he was already searching. He had gone to Jerusalem. He was reading Scripture, even if he didn’t fully understand it. And when the truth was finally explained to him, something clicked. Not just in his mind—but in his heart.

And when the moment came, he didn’t hesitate. “Look, there is water.”

In other words: Grace is right here. Opportunity is right here. God is right here. So why wait?

And his question cuts deeper than it sounds: “What is to prevent me?”

That question isn’t just about baptism. It’s about everything in our relationship with God.

What is preventing me from forgiving?
What is preventing me from returning to prayer?
What is preventing me from going back to Mass more intentionally?
What is preventing me from actually living what I say I believe?

Because most of the time, it’s not God stopping us.

It’s us. Fear. Pride. Comfort. Habit.

But in this moment, all barriers fall away. This man—who by law would have been excluded, on the outside—finds that in Christ, nothing holds him back.

And maybe that’s why this line is almost funny… because it’s so straightforward.

We tend to complicate what God makes simple. God offers. We respond.

So maybe today, instead of asking, “Is this the right time?” we ask the better question: “What is actually preventing me?”

And if the answer is “nothing”… then maybe it’s time to move. Just like he did.