Saint Philip Neri, Priest
One of them, a woman named Lydia, … opened her heart. (Acts 16:14)
In today’s reading, Paul journeys to Europe, where he meets a businesswoman named Lydia. And what had begun as a normal day by the river turns into a life-changing spiritual encounter for Lydia and her family. Lydia, a Gentile, was already a worshipper of the God of the Jews, but God had plans for her to know his Son, Jesus, as well. Luke tells us that God opened Lydia’s heart to Paul’s preaching, and she became his first European convert to Christianity (Acts 16:14). From this point on, Lydia’s life would be characterized by a loving, life-giving relationship with Jesus.
This is the very nature of conversion: God touches our hearts and makes us aware of his love, our sinfulness, and our need for his mercy. Such an awareness moves us to turn toward him so that he can begin a process of teaching and empowering us to embrace his goodness and reject the glamour of evil.
While the story of Lydia in Acts is short, we can be sure that it didn’t end where Luke leaves it. Lydia’s conversion not only prompted her to accept baptism; it also moved her to welcome Paul and his companions into her home. Such an act of generosity shows that “conversion urges expression in visible signs, gestures, and works of penance” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1430). It also shows that conversion is not just a one-time event but a lifelong process. It involves continually being open to God and bearing good fruit as we learn to cooperate with his Spirit.
As God continues to help us open our hearts to him, we are transformed bit by bit. The most important changes we experience do not come as a result of big, spectacular events but from the ordinary events of our day. We leave behind the marks of our old life as selfishness gives way to service, wasted time becomes opportunities for prayer, and the approval of God eclipses human praise. So let us keep the doors of our hearts wide open to Jesus so that we can be molded into his beautiful image!
“Father, deepen the conversion of my heart, and let me experience greater intimacy with you. May my experience of your vast love inspire and strengthen me to love and serve people in the name of your only Son, Jesus.”
Psalm 149:1-6, 9; John 15:26–16:4
Daily Marriage Tip for May 26, 2014:
Memorial Day is a time for picnics and parades. But why? It is only because others have given their lives for us that we get a holiday. Have you or any of your relatives served in the armed services? For whom and for what cause would you give your life?