Daily Readings - Mon May 23 2022
Acts
11So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis,12and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days.13And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together.14One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.15And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." And she prevailed upon us.
John
1"I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away.2They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God.3And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me.4But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. "I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from Acts 16:11-15 tells the story of Paul and his companions arriving in Philippi, where they meet Lydia, a devout woman whose heart is opened by God to receive their message. This passage highlights the early Christian church's missionary efforts and the transformative power of faith. The second reading, from John 15:26-16:4a, is part of Jesus' farewell discourse, where He speaks of the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who will support His followers. Jesus also warns of future persecutions, emphasizing that these challenges are a consequence of the world's misunderstanding of God's love.
These readings are interconnected through the themes of faith, mission, and perseverance. In Acts, Lydia's conversion exemplifies the Holy Spirit's work in opening hearts to God's message, a theme also present in John where Jesus promises the Spirit's guidance. Both passages remind us that living as Christians involves both the joy of conversion and the courage to face adversity. They encourage us to trust in God's providence and the Holy Spirit's guidance, even in challenging times.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to embrace our faith with openness and resilience. Like Lydia, we should be receptive to God's word and willing to act on our faith. When faced with difficulties, we can draw strength from the Holy Spirit, remembering Jesus' promise of support. The moral lesson here is one of trust and perseverance. Just as the early Christians trusted God amidst trials, we too can navigate life's challenges with faith, knowing that the Holy Spirit is our constant companion. Let us strive to live out our faith with courage and openness, trusting in God's plan and the Spirit's guidance.