Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 22, 2017
First Reading: Acts 16.11-15
11Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;12And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.13And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.14And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.15And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
Psalm 149
1Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.2Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.3Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.4For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.5Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.6Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand;7To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people;8To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;9To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.
Sermon
In today's reading from Acts 16:11-15, we encounter a pivotal moment in the early Christian church as Paul and his companions arrive in Philippi. This city, a significant Roman colony, becomes the setting for a remarkable conversion. Lydia, a prosperous merchant of purple, a woman of faith, and a leader in her community, opens her heart to Paul's message. Her receptiveness leads not only to her baptism but also to that of her household, exemplifying the transformative power of faith. Her generosity extends further as she offers hospitality to Paul and his companions, highlighting the importance of community and support in the early church.
This passage is set against the backdrop of Paul's missionary journeys, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. Philippi's status as a Roman colony underscores the strategic importance of this location for spreading the Gospel. Lydia's conversion is not just a personal transformation but also a communal one, as her household joins her in embracing Christianity. This event marks one of the first conversions in Europe, illustrating the universal reach of the Gospel message.
In our daily lives, Lydia's story invites us to reflect on our own openness to God's word. Her receptiveness and subsequent actions demonstrate a living faith that transcends individual belief, impacting her family and community. We are called to emulate her example by being open to the Holy Spirit's guidance and by sharing our faith with others. Lydia's hospitality reminds us of the importance of creating welcoming spaces for others, whether in our homes or communities, to foster connection and support.
The moral lesson here is clear: faith is not merely a personal conviction but a force that transforms and unites. Lydia's story teaches us about the virtues of faith, openness, and generosity. As we navigate our own journeys, may we, like Lydia, be receptive to God's word and generous in our actions, creating a ripple effect of faith and love in our own circles. Let us strive to live out our faith in ways that inspire and support those around us, just as Lydia did.