Daily Catholic Lectio
Sat, 17 February 2024
Saturday after Ash Wednesday
Isaiah 58:9b-14. Luke 5:27-32
Change of paths
Prophet Isaiah, who instructs the people of Israel on the new understanding of fasting, further exhorts them on acts of mercy and justice. The words of God come in the form of exhortations and promises. By obeying the words of the Lord, the people become worthy recipients of God’s promises.
‘Conversion’ primarily means ‘change of path’ or ‘new beginning.’ The people of Israel needed conversion at three levels: (a) From yoke or slavery they must move towards inner freedom; (b) From selfishness to selfless sharing; and (c) From self-conceit to glorifying God.
In the gospel reading, we read the call of Levi (Matthew) and Jesus’ subsequent clarification of Jesus’ mission here on earth—his purpose of life and ministry.
How do our paths change?
(a) On account of our choices. Choices must be converted into actions.
(b) Through God’s intervention. Jesus met Levi when he was engaged in his day-to-day activities. Levi leaves everything and follows him.
What are the advantages of changing paths?
(a) We begin to realise the fulfilment of God’s promises in our lives: ‘you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring whose water never fails.’
(b) New ministry: Matthew leaves his former ministry once and for all and embraces the new ministry of being an apostle and evangelist.
The lessons for us?
(a) A change of path requires readiness, courage, patience, and perseverance.
(b) We need to respond to the God who comes and calls us.
‘It is not enough that we are engaged in synodal action; what is needed is synodal attitude, which emerges when there is synodal conversion.’ (cf. Jubilee A. D. 2025, bite 33)
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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