Daily Catholic Lectio
Sat, 16 March 2024
Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Jeremiah 11:18-20. John 7:40-53
Stubbornness and conviction
In the gospel reading of the day, the Jews are stubborn not to believe in Jesus. Three witnesses are placed in front of them:
(a) ‘This is truly the prophet!’ – the people who came to Jerusalem for the Feast of Booths, upon hearing the discourse of Jesus, acclaim him to be a prophet.
(b) ‘Never before has anyone spoken like this man’ – the guards who were sent by the chief priests and Pharisees return empty-handed, and they appreciate Jesus for his eloquence of speech.
(c) ‘Does our law condemn a man before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing?’ – Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin and one who came to visit Jesus at night, speaks for Jesus.
The witnessing events move from general to particular: crowd, soldiers, Nicodemus. However, the chief priests and Pharisees are unable to accept Jesus.
They take offence at Jesus’ origin in Galilee.
This is their stubbornness!
In the first reading, we hear the first confession of the Prophet Jeremiah. The prophet laments before God out of his helplessness. Jeremiah, who had to prophesy to his own people, met with a lot of objections. He feels like a lamb led to slaughter.
However, having presented his case before God, he feels relieved and confident.
This is Jeremiah’s conviction!
In our spiritual lives, what do we have? Stubbornness or conviction?
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‘The difference between stubbornness and conviction is narrow. One who is stubborn closes himself; he becomes a prisoner to his own thoughts; on the other hand, one who is with conviction opens herself up and takes control of her life.’ (Jubilee A. D. 2025, bite 56)
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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