Mon 2nd May 2016 6th
Week of Easter (C)
Many of the
first converts to Christianity were women. Paul and his companions met a Greek
woman named Lydia outside of Philippi next to a river (there is a beautiful
outdoor chapel there now). She was a God-fearer — a pagan who was attracted to
Judaism and open to its teachings. The Lord opened her heart; she and her
household were baptized, and she extended hospitality to Paul. Often the
contributions of women in the church have not been adequately appreciated and
recognized, and the Holy Father has called for a greater voice for women. Let
us open our own minds and hearts.
Jesus
made sure that his followers would never be alone. He left them the Paraclete —
comforter or advocate — to witness, guide, and teach. They would need it! He
warned that by following him they would earn the world's hatred. A day would
even arrive when those who killed them would think that they were doing God a
favor. How true — even today, many resort to violence in the belief that they
are being faithful to God. God does not ask for or accept violence or hatred in
His name. Let us take care in word, thought, and speech that we do not
demonstrate violence, intolerance, or hatred to anyone for any reason,
especially concerning God. Lord,
grant me tolerance and respect for others.
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