A certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira who worshipped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. Acts 16:14

The ancient city of Philippi in Macedonia today consists only of ruins. In New Testament times, however, the town made history, not least because of businesswoman named Lydia. For all her wealth, that woman was seeking after God.

Such persons find likeminded people. The Jews in Philippi presumably had no synagogue; so the God fearing among them met for prayer outside the city on the bank of a river. It was surely not by chance that Paul and his companions sought out this place. He customarily made contact with those who belonged to his people on his missionary journeys.

The apostle took the opportunity to speak to those gathered there. It was matter of preaching the message of Jesus Christ, the Saviour. The Lord's servants undertook strenuous journeys for this purpose; it was their urgent desire that people should be freed from their guilt of sin and put things right with God.

The reaction of the other who were present at that "prayer meeting" by the river is not reported. Maybe they were not impressed by what they heard. Not so Lydia. She listened attentively, and the living Word of God penetrated her heart after the Lord had opened it. She became a pioneer for many others, so that it was in that Macedonian city that the first active christian church in Europe originated.

Daily Gospel meditation - 13th February 2012