First reading Acts 16:11-15
The Lord opened Lydia’s heart to accept what Paul was saying
Sailing from Troas we made a straight run for Samothrace; the next day for Neapolis, and from there for Philippi, a Roman colony and the principal city of that particular district of Macedonia. After a few days in this city we went along the river outside the gates as it was the sabbath and this was a customary place for prayer. We sat down and preached to the women who had come to the meeting. One of these women was called Lydia, a devout woman from the town of Thyatira who was in the purple-dye trade. She listened to us, and the Lord opened her heart to accept what Paul was saying. After she and her household had been baptised she sent us an invitation: ‘If you really think me a true believer in the Lord,’ she said ‘come and stay with us’; and she would take no refusal.
Responsorial Psalm 149:1-6,9
The Lord takes delight in his people.
Sing a new song to the Lord,
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel rejoice in its Maker,
let Zion’s sons exult in their king.
Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music with timbrel and harp.
For the Lord takes delight in his people.
He crowns the poor with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in their glory,
shout for joy and take their rest.
Let the praise of God be on their lips:
this honour is for all his faithful.
Gospel John 15:26-16:4
The Spirit of truth will be my witness
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘When the Advocate comes,
whom I shall send to you from the Father,
the Spirit of truth who issues from the Father,
he will be my witness.
And you too will be witnesses,
because you have been with me from the outset.
‘I have told you all this that your faith may not be shaken.
They will expel you from the synagogues,
and indeed the hour is coming
when anyone who kills you
will think he is doing a holy duty for God.
They will do these things
because they have never known
either the Father or myself.
But I have told you all this,
so that when the time for it comes
you may remember that I told you.’
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The Spirit of truth
The first reading speaks of Lydia, a woman whose heart is opened to God through St. Paul’s preaching. Her openness to listening to God’s Word is not just the result of her own efforts, but a gift from God. God takes the first initiative, unlocking what is closed and inviting her to trust. Lydia is baptised together with her household. Moved by her faith, she welcomes Paul and his companions into her home, marking the start of the Philippian church.
In the Gospel, Jesus prepares His disciples for challenges ahead, warning them of rejection and persecution, but assuring them that the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, will empower them and be their voice as they witness to Jesus. Lydia exemplifies receiving the Spirit with an open heart and a transformed life, while the disciples demonstrate living in the Spirit by remaining faithful despite the costs. The same Spirit works in us, opening our hearts to listen deeply and respond to God. When following Christ becomes difficult, the Spirit is not absent. He is in us, sustaining, guiding, and giving us the courage to remain in the truth.
Reflective Question:
Do I rely on the Holy Spirit or my own strength when facing difficulties in my faith?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
