Today’s Catholic Reflection
In Acts 16:11-15, Paul and his companions journey from Troas to Philippi, a significant city in Macedonia. On the Sabbath, they look for a place to pray by the river and find a group of women gathered there. Lydia, a merchant of purple cloth from Thyatira, listens closely as Paul shares the message. The Lord opens her heart, leading to her baptism and that of her household. She then invites Paul and his companions to stay at her home, and they gladly accept.
In John 15:26, 16:4a, Jesus speaks to his disciples Advocate, the Spirit of truth. This Spirit will testify about him, and the disciples are to bear witness as well. Jesus tells them they will face persecution, including being expelled from synagogues and even facing death. Some will mistakenly think they are serving God by doing this. He shares these truths to prepare them for the challenges they will encounter, helping them remember his words when those times arise.