Sixth Monday of Easter

One of them, a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, from the city of Thyatira, a worshiper of God, listened, and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what Paul was saying. After she and her household had been baptized, she offered us an invitation, "If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my home," and she prevailed on us.

Listening and paying attention to God naturally leads into acting like a Christian. Once we hear the Word of God and truly appreciate its meaning, we cannot help but put its commandments and precepts into action. Lydia does this through her hospitality. We do this through our works of charity and mercy. The love and goodness we show others reflects the teachings of Christ and live out our baptismal promises. We say to God, “Come and stay in the home of our souls.” And He comes and makes us into His Dwelling Place.

Are we listening and paying attention to the Lord? How can we put His commandments and teachings into practice? Have we done everything we can to make our hearts into dwelling places for Him?

O Lord, come and stay with us.

Amen.