Daily Readings - Mon May 10 2021
Acts
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.
John
1These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.2They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.3And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.4But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.
Sermon
The first reading from Acts tells the story of Paul and Silas arriving in Philippi, where they encounter Lydia, a devout woman who listens to their message with an open heart. Through her, the Gospel takes root in Europe, and her household becomes the first Christian community in that region. This passage highlights the power of faith and the unexpected ways God can open hearts to His truth. The second reading from John’s Gospel finds Jesus preparing His disciples for the challenges they will face after His departure. He speaks of the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who will strengthen them and bear witness to His truth. Jesus also warns them of persecution but assures them that these trials are part of the journey of following Him.
Both readings emphasize the themes of faith, openness to the Spirit, and perseverance in the face of adversity. In Acts, Lydia’s conversion shows how God can use ordinary people in extraordinary ways when they are receptive to His word. In John’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that living as His disciples will not always be easy, but the Spirit will guide and sustain us. Together, these readings remind us that our faith is not just a private matter but a call to live courageously and share the Good News with others, even when it comes at a cost.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on our own openness to the Holy Spirit and our willingness to trust in God’s plan, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. Like Lydia, we are called to respond generously to God’s grace and to create spaces where others can encounter His love. And like the disciples, we are reminded that our faith will be tested, but we are not alone—God’s Spirit is always with us, guiding us and giving us the strength to persevere. Let us ask for the grace to remain steadfast in our commitment to Christ and to bear witness to His truth in all we do.