First Reading: Acts 16:11-15
Psalm 149
Gospel: John 15:26- 16:4

Paul’s missionary journeys were certainly not for pleasure. He and his companions, called by the Holy Spirit, traveled from Asia Minor to, yes, even Europe. Since Macedonia was a Roman colony, pagan, Jews, and others, who did not worship the Roman gods, were allowed to worship outside of the walls, near a river. So, Paul believed that he would make converts there. He met Lydia and members of her household and, since her trade was in expensive purple cloth, we associate her with the wealthy class because only they could afford Lydia’s product. Paul and his companions preached to Lydia and her household members, they later baptized them, and stay at her home.

First lesson learned: The seed of an early Christian community in Europe, as in most of the world, was planted just outside the walls of a city:  it was not welcome in the mainstream of society.

Second lesson learned: Lydia’s influence and faith helped to create an opportunity for Christianity to thrive. In Christian history, women often provided support, examples of faith in action and, yes, leadership. She was a powerful example to women whose deep faith and strength contributed so much to the growth of the early church. Let us pray that we will have the wisdom to follow the examples of the holy women of the church; be open to the good news that Jesus gave us, and to act on it.

Jesus tells us in the Gospel that the “Spirit of Truth” will come from the Father to support and to testify to the truth. Jesus assures us that we will not be alone when we testify to the truth of his teaching. The Holy Spirit, our advocate and our paraclete, will comfort and support us. He is with us always. It is easy to despair, especially in these difficult times, but it is important to believe that our God will never leave us. His love is always present if we open our hearts to it. We must have faith, hold to the truth, and let God give us the strength to persevere. We, too, will find the power to “testify”, to bear witness, to the Lord.

Blessings.

Fr. Brian