Acts 16:11-15
We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there.
A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.” And she prevailed upon us.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Listening and Learning
Upon reflecting on today’s first reading, I’ll admit that I don’t know too much about Lydia of Thyatira. Yet, while mention of her is brief, I find myself drawn to her. While I continue to wonder who Lydia is, I am intrigued by her relationship with God, and how this relationship prompted her to listen to Paul. In turn, Paul listened to Lydia, and accepted her hospitality.
What is beautiful about the meeting between Lydia and Paul is that their meeting involved mutual listening to one another. Lydia listened to the wisdom of Paul, and Paul listened to the faithfulness of Lydia. I wonder what it was that they learned from one another, and it reminds me to remember how much I can learn from those I meet throughout my day.
Pay attention to those you meet unexpectedly today. What is something you learned from them? Is there wisdom gained from unanticipated conversations?
—Lindsay Horn is an Associate Director of Youth Ministry at the Jesuit Spiritual Center in Milford, Ohio.
Prayer
Loving God,
Who spoke to the heart of Lydia of Thyatira,
Grant us the wisdom and patience to listen to those around us, and grant us the courage to accept the invitation of hospitality offered by others.
Guide us with your Holy Spirit into community with others.
Amen
— Lindsay Horn