Daily Readings - Mon May 23 2022
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
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.