Daily Catholic Lectio
Sat, 24 February 2024
Saturday of the First Week of Lent
Deuteronomy 26:16-19. Matthew 5:43-48
Holiness and perfection
The state of being chosen and the state of being called are not only God’s gifts to us but also our constant tasks for life.
In the first reading, the Lord God assures the people of Israel that they are the chosen ones of God. Through Moses, he instructs them that they do have the task of remaining in that stage through observances of the ordinances and by listening to God’s voice.
The gospel reading, which is a part of the Sermon on the Mount, invites the disciples to imitate the Father in heaven in perfection. Jesus instructs that the mercy that we show each other must be impartial and unconditional.
Holiness means readiness. It is not restricted to a cultic context, nor does it refer to discrimination or differentiation. It is a disposition to surrender.
Perfection means fullness. This implies impartial and unconditional giving. This is achieved through mercy.
Holiness and perfection are not distant ideals; they can be realised when we walk one step at a time with a generous heart and an open mind.
Jesus exhorts us to raise our standard of action by raising the standard of our goal. We become his disciples by loving our enemies and taking everyone to prayer.
The sun shines and the rain falls; they are not controlled by the recipients. The sun shines on all, and the rain falls on all. If so, why must we be conditioned by others’ actions and dispositions when it comes to loving and showing mercy?
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Synodal relationships are possible when our disposition is impartial, and unconditional. (cf. Jubilee A. D. 2025, bite 39)
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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