Daily Catholic Lectio. Fri, 22 Mar 2024. Two poles

Daily Catholic Lectio

Fri, 22 March 2024

Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Jeremiah 20:10-13. John 10:31-42

Two poles

In the gospel reading, we read how Jesus’ ministry and discourse create two types of responses. Negatively, some Jews want to stone Jesus to death for his alleged blasphemy; positively, some people have faith in him.

In the first reading, Prophet Jeremiah, who has been objected to by his people, later experiences God as a mighty warrior who protects his life.

The two poles of life are indispensable. It is necessary that we constantly move from the negative to the positive. How do we make it possible?

(a) Change of attitude

By changing our attitude, we can, in fact, change our response to a particular event or circumstance. Jeremiah, who was rejected by his own townspeople, slightly changes his attitude and begins to look within. His response now changes. His lamentation becomes a faith statement.

(b) Inclusive vision

When the Jews attempt to stone Jesus to death for making himself the son of God, Jesus invites them to have an inclusive mindset, recalling to them that ‘all are children of God’ because ‘all are Gods.’

(c) Moving

Jesus moves to Jordan, where he received his foundational experience; Jeremiah moves to God. When things or people are not favourable to us, it is necessary that we move out of them.

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Our Jubilee journey as ‘pilgrims of hope’ invites us to keep moving. Our movement enhances our lives and those of those who are next to us. (Jubilee A. D. 2025, bite 60)

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy