Readings:
Acts 16: 11-15
John 15: 26-16: 4
Reflection:
Lydia was already a woman of faith, gathered at the customary place of prayer with other women, indicating that this was a priority for her as well as her capacity as a businesswoman and a woman of influence. We are told that on hearing Paul preach, she and her household were baptised, suggesting a readiness to hear and respond with action, hospitality and support for the early disciples. It must have been a welcome respite for Paul after all his hardships at sea, which he recounts at length in 1 Corinthians.
This short passage from Acts suggests that women were respected as community leaders and actively involved in the early Christian community. Maybe this is a message the Church needs to be reminded of in this time of ongoing debate on the role of women! As women, we continue to exert a positive influence in today’s evolving Church and do so with love and concern in the hope that the Church will give witness to respect, compassion, equality and recognise the gifts of all the baptised.
The Gospel makes clear that the disciples will face hardships and rejection as they proclaim the message. Jesus is warning them that there is a cost to discipleship while also promising the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide them on the journey. Today, there are many who reject the Christian message even as they invoke God’s name. Let us pray for all those who are experiencing rejection because of a decision to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. We pray especially for the Christian communities in the Middle East and everywhere that wars are being waged, that the message of peace will prevail.
Sr. Brigid Murphy CP, Sisters of the Cross & Passion, Melbourne