May 27, 2019 Monday of the 6th Week of Easter-C

Acts of the Apostles 16:11-15

Psalm 149

John 15:26—16:4

…a woman named Lydia…listened and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention… Acts 16:14

Lord, Paul engaged a group of women outside the city gate and witnessed to the gospel.  In this unexpected place and unexpected audience the seed of the Good News was planted in their hearts and they responded.  They listened to these men from another land.  They paid attention to their strange message about a crucified redeemer who had risen from the dead.  The women’s whole household was baptized and became disciples because they took the time to listen.  We are bombarded with thousands of words every day.  Most of them are meaningless and can be forgotten.  I know, Lord, that your Holy Spirit has spoken to me and I have not listened.  Or I have been distracted by the noise of the world.  Help me to slow down and take silent time to open my heart like Lydia and her family.  I offer you my complete attention each day to listen to all the Spirit wishes to speak to me.   Then give me the grace to respond to what I hear.   Lydia opened her home in hospitality.  Who do you wish for me to extend hospitality?  Amen