Acts 16:1-15 (NRSV)
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Chapter 16Paul went on also to Derbe and to Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer; but his father was a Greek. Verse 2He was well spoken of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium. Verse 3Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him; and he took him and had him circumcised because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. Verse 4As they went from town to town, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. Verse 5So the churches were strengthened in the faith and increased in numbers daily.
Verse 6They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. Verse 7When they had come opposite Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them; Verse 8so, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. Verse 9During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." Verse 10When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them. Verse 11We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, Verse 12and 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. Verse 13On 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. Verse 14A 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. Verse 15When 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.
Devotion
Lydia and her household were baptized because they recognized that Christ’s suffering on the cross meant something in their lives. How well do we keep the memory of our Lord’s suffering in our daily lives? As Lydia was moved to be baptized, let us be moved to repentance as we approach Holy Week. Lent compels us to face the pain of the cross but also shows the response of all the saints throughout history to that blessed event. God will indeed open our hearts, nourish us with the sacraments and bless us.
Prayer
Lord, infuse us and our world with grace, that we may say, " yes," to peace within your creation. Amen.