Daily Readings - Mon May 23 2022
Acts
11From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis.12From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days.13On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there.14One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message.15When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us.
John
1"All this I have told you so that you will not go astray.2They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.3They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me.4I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you. I did not tell you this at first 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.