Daily Readings - Mon May 26 2025
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 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.