One Woman from Scripture.

How many women can you name who appear in scripture? Not many, I suspect. We are introduced to Lydia in today’s reading from Acts16:11-15. Lydia, with a group of women, gathered by the river to pray. Why there? Because there was no synagogue. We are told she was very wealthy because she dealt in purple dyes and cloth. Purple, worn by royalty, was greatly desired by their followers.

Saint Paul had gone down to the river where the women welcomed them. He explains scripture, telling them that Jesus is the Messiah, certainly mentioning the resurrection of Christ. God intends to change many of us, and he has plans for Lydia. Because she had been praying, he knew she was a believer, but she still needed cleansing or refinement. God connects Paul’s teaching with the Holy Spirit, and her soul comes alive. Lydia opens her heart, hears the Gospel of Christ, and the result is salvation.

Paul’s divine mission was to save Lydia, so God saw to it that they were together at that time and in that place. We see God’s plan at work. Could her rebirth be the answer to the prayers the worshippers were offering? Paul had the words, and God prepared Lydia’s heart to hear what he was saying truly.

God is interested in entering our hearts as well. It is the condition of our hearts that he wants to be altered. We all need a change, growth in how our lives interplay with our faith and personal sanctification. Don’t disappoint God but be open to the changes he envisions.

What is the condition of your heart? It is foundational to your walk with Christ.

Let Us Pray:

Please, dear friend, work at holy recollection by living by God’s law, his truth, his gift of kindness, the constant proofs of his love. You must establish for yourself a center of life in God, a dwelling, so that the spirit of our Lord may fill your sinful spirit and be the light, joy, and life of your heart. Amen. (From a letter of Saint Peter Julian Eymard to Mrs. Mathilde Giraud-Jordan, CO 1495)