Daily Readings - Mon May 26 2025

¹¹And sailing from Troas, taking a direct path, we arrived at Samothrace, and on the following day, at Neapolis¹²and from there to Philippi, which is the preeminent city in the area of Macedonia, a colony. Now we were in this city some days, conferring together¹³Then, on the Sabbath day, we were walking outside the gate, beside a river, where there seemed to be a prayer gathering. And sitting down, we were speaking with the women who had assembled¹⁴And a certain woman, named Lydia, a seller of purple in the city of Thyatira, a worshiper of God, listened. And the Lord opened her heart to be receptive to what Paul was saying¹⁵And when she had been baptized, with her household, she pleaded with us, saying: "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, enter into my house and lodge there." And she convinced us

John

Chapter 15

²⁶But when the Advocate has arrived, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will offer testimony about me²⁷And you shall offer testimony, because you are with me from the beginning.

Chapter 16

¹"These things I have spoken to you, so that you would not stumble²They will put you out of the synagogues. But the hour is coming when everyone who puts you to death will consider that he is offering an excellent service to God³And they will do these things to you because they have not known the Father, nor me⁴But these things I have spoken to you, so that, when the hour for these things will have arrived, you may remember that I told you

Sermon

In today's readings, we witness the spread of the Gospel and the challenges faced by early Christians. The first reading from Acts describes Paul's journey to Philippi, where he encounters Lydia, a Gentile convert. Lydia's openness to the Holy Spirit leads to her baptism and hospitality, exemplifying the inclusive nature of the early church. The Gospel reading from John features Jesus preparing His disciples for future persecution, emphasizing the Holy Spirit's role in providing strength and testimony. Both readings highlight the Holy Spirit's crucial role in the lives of believers. In Acts, the Spirit guides Paul to Lydia, illustrating divine providence and the expansion of Christianity. In John, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit as an advocate, enabling the disciples to face challenges with courage. This connection underscores the Spirit's role in empowering believers to spread the Gospel despite adversity. Applying this to our lives, we are reminded to remain open to the Holy Spirit's guidance and to trust in God's plan. Just as Lydia was receptive and courageous, we too can embrace opportunities to share our faith. The readings encourage us to face challenges with resilience, knowing the Holy Spirit supports us. This spiritual reflection invites us to trust in divine guidance and to live with courage and openness, embodying the inclusive and resilient spirit of the early church.