On the Feast of Saint Mark, April 25 1467, the people of Genazzano, Italy witnessed a marvellous sight. A cloud descended upon an ancient church dedicated to Our Lady of Good Counsel. When the cloud disappeared, an image of Our Lady and the Child Jesus was revealed which had not been there before. The image, on a paper-thin sheet, was suspended miraculously. 
Emperor Vespasian reigned in Rome when Cletus assumed leadership of the Church. His specific responsibilities, like those of his predecessor Linus, can only be surmised because a monarchial episcopate had not yet emerged in Rome. Little is known of Cletus, perhaps due to the confusion over his name. Some historians refer to him as Anacletus or, more correctly, Anencletus, which is a Greek adjective meaning "blameless." There is, however, no doubt that he is recognized as the third successor and is commemorated in the ancient canon of the Mass. 
St. Marcellinus was Pope during the Diocletian persecution (296-304). With wise forethought he ordered large rooms to be constructed in the catacombs for liturgical use. Such a chamber in the catacomb of Callistus still recalls his action. According to one ancient account (certainly erroneous), this pope strewed incense before the gods when arrested during the persecution, but later atoned for his weakness by a glorious martyrdom. His grave in the catacomb of Priscilla was an object of highest honor.
Philip might have been worried. An angel from God told him to approach the chariot of a powerful official from a foreign country. But how could he cut through the cultural barriers? How could he come up with an effective presentation of the gospel that would change this man’s heart? Wasn’t God asking too much of him this time?
As it turned out, God had already laid a lot of the groundwork for Philip. The official was already puzzling over God’s word when Philip approached him. He was sincerely asking questions and was eager to hear whatever Philip had to say.
So it wasn’t about Philip after all! All he had to do was walk through a door that was already three-quarters of the way open. What a relief that must have been! God had taken great pains to prepare the man to receive his message, even before the messenger showed up.
We may feel intimidated about sharing our faith because we think it all depends on us. We worry about how to break through obstinate hearts, how to tear down years of resistance, or how to answer every possible objection anyone could think of. But that’s placing too much of the emphasis on us and forgetting how deeply God longs to touch each person with his love. The truth is, we aren’t meant to carry the load alone. God is already doing a lot of the prep work.
You will likely have a chance to witness to your faith today. Maybe the Spirit will bring to mind a relative with whom you have not been on the best terms, and lead you to seek reconciliation. You may run into an old friend who needs a word of encouragement, or a neighbor who could use a helping hand. The Holy Spirit could nudge you to say something to the person next to you on the bus. Seize the opportunity to reach out. You may be surprised at how your words or actions can be used by God!
“Lord, thank you for going ahead of me today! Open my eyes to the opportunities you will give me to be your ambassador. I believe you will bless even my smallest effort!”
Psalm 66:8-9,16-17,20 John 6:44-51