May 15, Monday of the 6th Week of Easter
Daily Readings: Acts 16:11-15; Gospel: John 15:26-16:4
Lydia must have been a shrewd businesswoman! At a time when there were very few women merchants, she found success in one of the most lucrative and competitive markets: delicate fabrics imbued with the hard-to-produce color of royal purple.
As successful as she was in business, Lydia was also very spiritual. Though a Gentile, she had come to believe in the God of Israel. That drew her to the place of prayer by the river, where she met Paul (Acts 16:13–14). And as she listened to his preaching, the Holy Spirit opened her heart to accept the gospel with joy, passion, and energy.
The conversion changed everything for Lydia. Not only did she request Baptism for herself, but she wanted her entire household to share her new life in the Lord. Then, grateful to the apostles who had brought her the good news, she urged Paul and his companions to stay in her home. That way, she could use her practical skills to meet their needs. She was such a good salesperson that they couldn't say no!
Of course, much more went on in Lydia's house than sharing meals. Paul taught Lydia and her household about Jesus and his salvation. He prayed with them. And with Lydia's help, he turned her home into a base of operations for his ministry to the people of Philippi.
What wonderful work the Holy Spirit did through Lydia! He built on her previous experience and natural gifts and brought forth something new and vibrant. Through her generosity, the gospel kept advancing, and the Church was built up in Greece and beyond.
That's what faith does: it moves outward. God touches our lives, and it has a ripple effect far beyond ourselves.
So let your faith move you to action today. Let your gratitude for all the ways God has worked in your life propel you to find ways to share the good news. Then watch how God takes your response and extends its effect beyond your expectations!
"Holy Spirit, guide me as I respond to the gift of faith."
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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