Daily Readings - Mon May 26 2025

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

Chapter 15

²⁶But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:²⁷And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

Chapter 16

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 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.