6th week in Easter Time, Monday – 15th May 2023 – Acts 16,11-15; Jn 15,26-16,4
Inclusiveness in God’s Kingdom
In the first reading, Paul and his companions wanted to plant many churches in Asia. But the Holy Spirit drove Paul away to the border of Macedonia and Greece. There Paul and his sojourners met some women and among them was one called Lydia, a dealer in purple goods from Thyatira. She is the first recorded convert in the province of Philippi in Asia Minor. As purple goods were expensive and only worn by the wealthy, we can say that this woman was fairly well off. Also remember that the rich man in the parable of the ‘Rich man and Lazarus’ was clothed in fine purple (Lk 16,19-31). She soon invites Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke to stay in her home, which proves she is also generous and hospitable. The church that starts with Lydia and her household continues that generous tradition, supporting Paul in his ministry to Thessalonica (Phil 4,15-16). In this region, where Paul was sent by the Holy Spirit to preach the salvation of Jesus Christ, the persons who adhere to his proclamation are women. This passage emphasizes that women are equally included in God’s kingdom, highlighting Lydia and family.
