St. Paul wrote with fondness the Epistle to the Philippians. Geographically, Philippi was the first church Paul set up in Europe. He had been well received by the Gentiles who gave St. Paul many supports then and in the future. Furthermore, the stay in Philippi was also very eventful. Thus, the Epistle was overflowed with joy.
Luke joined the company of Paul, Silas and Timothy in Troas. They travelled through Samothrace, Neapolis and reached Philippi, the chief city in Macedonia, a Roman colony (Acts 16:11-12). Luke did not mention any synagogues in Philippi. On Sabbath, Paul's company gathered outside the gate at the riverside (Acts 16:13). There they preached to a group of women. Among them was Lydia, a purple cloth merchant, a God-fearer. This is how Luke described her conversion.
One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to give heed to what was said by Paul (Acts 16:14).
Truly, we are only sowers. Whether the seeds we sow bear fruit or not depends not on our efforts but on the grace of the Lord. Of course, we cannot be lazy in our sowing, thinking that God would take care of everything. Our efforts are not essential. This attitude is not right. It deprives us of the opportunities to realize our potentials, to put God's bestowed charisma in good use. On the other hand, our preaching should be motivated by the love of our fellow mankind. Out of love, God created us. Out of love, God handed over His only beloved Son Jesus to be crucified for our sins. Out of love, God calls us to repent. If we preach for our personal benefits, it is incompatible with the whole salvation plan. Christ would have died in vain.
One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to give heed to what was said by Paul (Acts 16:14).
Truly, we are only sowers. Whether the seeds we sow bear fruit or not depends not on our efforts but on the grace of the Lord. Of course, we cannot be lazy in our sowing, thinking that God would take care of everything. Our efforts are not essential. This attitude is not right. It deprives us of the opportunities to realize our potentials, to put God's bestowed charisma in good use. On the other hand, our preaching should be motivated by the love of our fellow mankind. Out of love, God created us. Out of love, God handed over His only beloved Son Jesus to be crucified for our sins. Out of love, God calls us to repent. If we preach for our personal benefits, it is incompatible with the whole salvation plan. Christ would have died in vain.
Lydia proved to be a generous and grateful disciple. She insisted on Paul's company staying in her house.
And when she was baptized, with her household, she besought us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." And she prevailed upon us (Acts 16:15).
Probably, Luke had Lydia in mind when he wrote the following line in his gospel.
And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages; do not go from house to house (Luke 10:7).
Missionaries deserve our provision of board and bed. And we should do it with gratitude and humility. We are only showing our faithfulness to the Lord in providing for the needs of the missionary. We don't do it for showing off.
And when she was baptized, with her household, she besought us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." And she prevailed upon us (Acts 16:15).
Probably, Luke had Lydia in mind when he wrote the following line in his gospel.
And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages; do not go from house to house (Luke 10:7).
Missionaries deserve our provision of board and bed. And we should do it with gratitude and humility. We are only showing our faithfulness to the Lord in providing for the needs of the missionary. We don't do it for showing off.
Dear Lord, my love is cool. Help me love more. My faithful is lukewarm. Help me galvanize it. Amen.
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