The Third Sunday after Epiphany (NT)

Acts 16:1-15

Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. ² He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. ³ Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. ⁴ As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. ⁵ So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.

⁶ And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. ⁷ And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. ⁸ So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. ⁹ And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” ¹⁰ And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

¹¹ So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, ¹² and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. ¹³ And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. ¹⁴ One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. ¹⁵ And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.

Where do we go and where do we travel? We travel were the Holy Spirit would lead and guide us? St Paul takes the time to make sure the foreskin of Timothy does not become a hinderence to the message of Jesus Christ. Yet, even the Holy Spirit stands in their way. They are forced to then travel to Macedonia. It is there where St Paul finds another family to establish his church.

For most of us, it is difficult for us to find our way in this life. Young people searching for what Job they wish to have. Young Adults are searching for anytype of employment that will allow them to feed their family. Older people working hard to prepare for retirement, which they have been looking forward to since they graduated. The Elderly wondering why God has not taken them to heaven, as all labor has been so helpfully removed.

What is the right way to go? I do not know what your path and journey will be. I can not give you answers to these wquestions. But know that the Holy Spirit may require your foreskin, or other torment. The Holy Spirit may even stand before you ready to kill you, or hinder the path you have decided to follow.

But Christ has sent his messengers to Baptize and wash you clean of your sins. Jesus sacrifices his own life to provide you with the way to eternal life. This path does not have to travel through death and heaven, but is the Hope of the resurrection. It is the hope of a family united together with Jesus Christ in the renewed creation. It does not matter our job or employment, but that Zchrist has claimed us.