11th MAY 2026 – SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER

GOD IS INDEED FULL OF SURPRISES! [ACTS 16:11-15] | A CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGE

MONDAY, SIXTH WEEK OF EASTERTIDE

Acts 16: 11-15 Ps 149: 1-6, 9 Jn 15: 26–16: 4

PARTNERS & PARTAKERS

The Church places before us today Lydia who teaches us the following lessons.

Openness to grace, makes us a channel of grace in return: Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as ‘the Spirit of Truth.’ St. James in turn describes this truth emphatically in his letter as “the wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17). We see these qualities manifested in the conversion of Lydia. Paul does not use philosophical arguments, but simple words which stir up a hidden longing in Lydia’s heart. She is captivated by the truth and accepts Paul’s message as the Truth, and in doing so accepts Jesus, whole-heartedly. We know this because this lone woman is now extraordinarily able to transmit the gift of faith to her entire family. We see a fulfilment of Jesus’ prophecy of witnessing: Paul bears witness, the Holy Spirit bears witness in convincing Lydia and Lydia in turns becomes a witness to her family. What seemed like a simple conversation has ignited a fire of faith in the hearts of so many.

Spiritual friendships foster holiness: Anybody who brings us closer to God is worthy of our love. Therefore, Lydia offers hospitality to Paul and his companions. St. Teresa of Avila teaches that “a good means to loving God is to speak to his friends, for one always gains very much from this.” “When virtue is placed before our eyes, the one who desires it grows fond of it and seeks to gain it.” This spiritual friendship has its source in a common quest for God as the ultimate goal of our life. Aware that such friendships could greatly profit a person in progressing in the spiritual life, she encouraged even her nuns (who live an enclosed life, separated from the world) to foster such friendships. May we be granted a continual openness to the Holy Spirit like Lydia and her love for Gods’ friends so that in turn we too may become ‘partners in the gospel’ and ‘partakers of grace.’ (Phil 1:5,7)

Response: The Lord takes delight in his people.