Preet Anupam Beck csc
Readings: Acts 16:11-15; Jn 15:26-16:4a
The Lord opened the heart of Lydia as she listened to Paul. Very often we listen only to respond and even sometimes to react. The readings invite us to open our hearts and to listen to God and all the people who want good things to happen to us in our lives.
When we see around the world there is so much of hatred and sin. But there are lot of good things happening around us. There are good people to lead others and guide them to live a life worthy of God’s calling. Lord will surely open our hearts if we surrender our hearts to Him.
In the first reading, Lydia surrendered her heart and paid attention to what Paul said. In the Gospel, Jesus assures His disciples of the coming of the Holy Spirit which will help them to give witness to Him. This witnessing will keep them from falling away. God is ready to help us from falling away and He will not leave us in times of trials and persecutions. The invitation for us is to open our hearts to God. We have to take the first step and
God will take Ninety-nine steps to reach us. It is a daily challenge to open our hearts to listen to God and the People around us through whom God speaks to us. It is a choice that we have to make on a daily basis.