Ornaments of Grace - Lydia of Thyatira

In the beginning was the Word; the Word was in God’s presence and the Word was God. He was present to God in the beginning…These are they who believe in his name – who were begotten not by blood, nor by carnal desire, nor by man’s willing it, but by God…Of his fullness we have all had a share – love following upon love… John 1:1-16 We only know a certain Biblical woman by the name indicating her country of origin in Asia Minor. Lydia, an ancient Greek City, straight east of Athens and about 50 miles from the Aegean Sea, is today a city in western Turkey. Lydia was in the province of Thyatira, a place known for its excellent purple dye. Lydia, the woman, was a merchant of purple cloth or perhaps other textiles and was residing in the Greek but Roman-controlled city of Philippi in order to sell her goods. It was there that Paul, on his second missionary journey, went to preach the Gospel. Because Lydia’s conversion took place in what is now Europe, she is often called the first European convert to Christianity. The story of Lydia’s conversion is told in the Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 16. Apparently, Lydia had been drawn to the Jewish faith and believed in one God. So, on the Sabbath, she had gathered with other women just outside Philippi near the banks of a river in order to pray. St. Paul went to the group to tell the story of Jesus Christ. Acts states that “One who listened was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple goods from the town of Thyatira. She already reverenced God, and the Lord opened her heart to accept what Paul was saying.” Lydia believed in God’s name and was begotten by God, the message of today’s Gospel. She had an open heart to God’s message, and so she listened intently to God’s Word as preached by Paul. She learned about Jesus and his works. She decided to embrace Jesus Christ. She was born again – not by blood, not through carnal desire, nor just because someone willed it. She was born of God through Baptism. Lydia was a woman of strong belief. She must have been so enthusiastic spreading the Word to her whole household that they, too, professed belief in Jesus Christ. So, Paul baptized not only Lydia, but her entire household. Then, showing her love for God in a practical way, she extended an invitation to Paul and Timothy, saying, “If you are convinced that I believe in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” Paul and Timothy accepted her hospitality. Lydia’s open home reflected her open heart. Her open heart and home made it possible for Paul and Timothy to be strengthened to preach the Gospel to an even wider audience at this time. She offered support for those trying to spread the Good News. When we receive love, we want to share it. Perhaps that is what John’s Gospel for today means when it says, “Of his fullness we have all had a share – love following upon love.” And so, on this New Year’s Eve, we can reflect on how we have been blessed by God with the gift of love. The greatest gift of love is, of course, Jesus and our faith in him. It’s nothing we can earn. It is all gift. Let us give thanks for this saving gift and open our hearts to the love Jesus pours into our hearts. Let us begin this New Year in deep gratitude by showing that same love by opening our hearts and homes and, yes, even our homeland to those who need our help in spreading the Good News! Lydia of Thyatira is today’s Ornament of Grace. How was Lydia preparing, though unaware of it, for the coming of Christ into her heart and home? New Year’s Eve is a good time to reflect with gratitude on the gifts of love you have been offered this past year. Is your heart open to receiving these gifts?