Good morning good people,
May the Lord grant you grace and peace in the Holy Spirit.
It is on 15th May 2023. We reflect on Acts 16:11-15 and John 15:26-16:4.
“When there is room in the heart, there is room in the home” – Danish proverb.
When was the first time the Lord opened our hearts to do God’s mission? Are we exhausted working for the Lord and His Church? Are our hearts still open and collaborative to the plan of God? Has anything or anyone closed our hearts and dried our enthusiasm? What have we become as believers?
God and God’s Gift, the Holy Spirit are for all. Suffering and pain are funnels of love through which we experience the unconditional love of God. The Holy Spirit inspires and opens the hearts of those who listen to the Word of God.
The Spirit of truth accompanies and leads us in our life journey to the right people for the spread of the Word of God. The Paraclete helps us to grow and mature in loving Jesus. Every moment is an opportunity to proclaim the Word of God and invite others to participate in the Project of God. With the power of the Holy Spirit, we can evangelize to enter the lives of people and lead them to be faithful contributors to God.
The first reading introduces the first European convert named Lydia whose heart the Holy Spirit opened through the spirit-filled preaching of Paul. “The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul.” (Acts.16:13). We heard about the conversion of Lydia. Her conversion is prompted directly by the Lord. After her conversion, she became a model of hospitality, an indication of a true disciple. Her home became the mission base for the Philippian church that provided long-term support for the Pauline mission.
The Holy Spirit opens our hearts to do God’s work whenever we listen. All that we do after listening to the Word of God is the effect of preaching which we endorse by our actions.
The hospitality of Lydia remains an inspiration to all of us and there are many of us emulate her openness to the missionaries of God and God’s Word.
Let us inculcate the spirit of openness, generosity and hospitality towards all people.
The first house-church of Lydia is the model for us all.
The Gospel encourages us to continue our journey with the help of the Paraclete, the Spirit of truth. It can be anyone who gives comfort, good counsel, advice or moral support. We will surely be misunderstood, misjudged, mistreated, or misused for our faith’s sake. It is our turn to show the people of contempt and corruption, the loving presence of the Holy Spirit by our mercy, compassion, charity, and chaste relationship with one another.
As the Spirit of God comforts and strengthens, so may we be in our families, communities, and countries. May you have a good day. God bless you.