The good news came to Europe through the preaching of the apostle Paul. The first European convert was a woman named Lydia. We know about the beginnings of Christian mission in Europe from the Book of Acts, in chapter 16. This story is a call for us to open our ears, our eyes and our hearts.

Paul and his companions „went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. When they had come opposite Mysia they attempted to go into Bithynia but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. . ." (Acts 16:6-7)

Let us pray:

Just as the apostle Paul, O Lord, we often take the wrong direction. The voice of your Spirit warns us and forbids us to go the wrong way. But we close our ears to the voice of your Sprit. Lord, forgive our deafness, open our ears that we may hear.

Lord, have mercy.

All: Kyrie eleison (sung)

Then, „during the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, Come over to Macedonia and help us". (Acts 16:9)

Let us pray:

O Lord, just as it happened to Paul, you send us visions. Visions of people who need our help, people who cry out in despair and in suffering. They cry out in their hunger and thirst for righteousness and for your word of life. But we close our eyes when faced with the needs of our brothers and sisters. We close our eyes to the prospects you set before us. Lord, forgive us our blindness, open our eyes that we may have a vision.

Lord, have mercy.

All: Kyrie eleison (sung)

When Paul arrived in Philippi, „a certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us . . . The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying: If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home". (Acts 16:14-15)

Let us pray:

O Lord, as with Lydia, you open our hearts to your word and you call upon us to open our homes to our neighbors. But we close our hearts and we close our doors. We confine ourselves within the fortress of our own self interest. Lord, forgive our selfishness. Open our hearts, that we may love.

Lord, have mercy.

All: Kyrie eleison (sung)