Breaking the Word

6^th week in Easter Time, Monday – 15^th 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.

5^th week in Easter Time, Saturday – 13^th May 2023 – Acts 16,1-10; Jn 15,18-21

Led by the Spirit

Paul and Silas started their second missionary journey through the province of Galatia to spread Jesus’ offer of salvation in Asia. They are accompanied by Timothy, a future church leader. In their journey, Paul was very much aware of the Spirit’s guidance. In today’s reading we find that Paul was “forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.” A few verses later, we find that he could not go into another direction because, “the Spirit of Jesus did not allow.” Instead the Holy Spirit redirected the trio to Macedonia, into an unknown mission. Between the conflict of being of the world and being guided by the Spirit, Paul chose the way of the Spirit, for he knew that all the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit are bestowed upon all believers. The Spirit always leads to the Father and to listen to the Word of God.