Daily Catholic Lectio
Tue, 20 February 2024
Tuesday of the First Week of Lent
Isaiah 55:10-11. Matthew 6:7-15
Minimalist speech
Minimalist living now extends to minimalist thought and minimalist speech. The readings of the day invite us to have speech minimalism and speech essentialism in prayer.
In the first reading, Prophet Isaiah narrates the effectiveness of the word of God through the metaphors of rain and snow. Rain and snow that come down from heaven give life to the world by producing seeds and plantations, and they return to heaven. In the same way, the word of God comes down to give life to human persons, and it returns to God in the form of our prayers and worship. Thus, in prayer, God speaks to Godself through his words in us.
The gospel reading brings to us Jesus’ teaching on speech minimalism in prayer. Jesus instructs his disciples to use the minimum number of words. Further, he teaches them to pray, giving them a model. Finally, by saying that the words must be impactful, he exhorts us to forgive each other.
For Jesus, the words that we use in prayer are not only directed to God, but also they are directed to the pray-er, one who prays. As rain and snow have two directions, so also our prayers have two directions: they are directed to God and to us. The words that return to us must have an impact on us.
How does the prayer ‘Our Father’ make an impact on our lives?
(1) When I call God ‘our Father’, I must respect and own my neighbour as my ‘brother and sister.’
(2) I must aspire to fulfil the will of God. I must have a surrendering heart.
(3) I need to work for my daily bread; I must value labour and hard work. I need to share the fruits of my labour with those who can’t labour, such as children, the elderly, the sick, and the differently abled.
(4) I shall forgive those who hurt me, humiliate me, and make my life miserable.
(5) I must grow in inner freedom to resist any bodily, mental, and spiritual temptation.
(6) I need to relieve myself from the bonds that the devil may impose on me. I shall be ready to fight social evils as well.
It is necessary that I practice speech minimalism in my prayer and life, and I ensure that my words become effective and positively impactful.
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During the year of prayer, let us resolve to make prayer a tool for personal, family, community, and societal transformation. (cf. Jubilee A. D. 2025, bite 35)
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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