6th Week of Easter (A) : Monday 15th May 2023

Have you ever had an encounter with someone that changed your life? Sometimes we experience sudden moments of grace.

Paul is in Philippi. On the Sabbath, he goes to the riverside to pray. It is there that he encounters Lydia, a merchant of purple cloth. Purple was a rare dye in ancient times; only the rich could afford such garments. Lydia was likely relatively wealthy. Although she has just met Paul, she listens to him. We read that “The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message” (Acts 16:14). Lydia accepts baptism and invites Paul and his companions to her house to stay.

Today, Jesus tells the Apostles that He will send the Advocate. This Advocate is “the Spirit of Truth who goes out from the Father” (John 15:26). It is this Spirit of truth that touched the heart of Lydia by the river. That day God changed her life.

Paul courageously speaks about Jesus, and the Spirit touches people’s hearts. Evangelisation is a combination of human effort and God’s grace. It is not easy, yet the Lord wants to cooperate with us.

Have I experienced a moment when the Lord opened my heart?

Has the Spirit ever worked through me to help someone believe?

Holy Spirit, help me to cooperate with You.