Daily Catholic Lectio
Tue, 9 July 2024
Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time – Tuesday
Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13. Matthew 9:32-28
Identifying the opportunities
The Bible says, ‘Without vision, people will perish’ (cf. Prov 29:18). We may think of three qualities of a leader: (a) He sets or defines a vision for his followers or team; (b) He brings resources to achieve the vision; and (c) He identifies the opportunities to reach the vision.
The gospel reading teaches us how problems or difficulties could be seen as opportunities. Jesus makes a dumb person – and demon-possessed – speak. The miracle evokes two types of responses: some people marvel at Jesus’ ability to work wonders; the Pharisees criticise Jesus, saying that he drives out demons with the help of Beelzebul. They undermine Jesus’ authority or power over demons. When someone does a task better and more efficiently, we attribute that success to his luck, reference, or background. We, too, undermine the other person’s ability or effort.
But Jesus is not affected by the negative feedback from the Pharisees. In the narrative that follows, Jesus has compassion on the people, who were like ‘sheep without a shepherd.’ He sees the opportunity for ‘more harvest.’
Even today, the harvest is plentiful – if we identify opportunities for mission.
When we apply this to our lives, we can interpret it this way.
Life has abundance or is plentiful. Only a few are able to take the best of life. When we invest in more quality time and energy, we get the most from life.
What are the life lessons for us?
(a) We must refrain from criticising others; and when we encounter negative feedback, we must ignore it and move ahead.
(b) We must be able to see the opportunities in front of our eyes. At times, the difficulties make way for the opportunities. For example, a person who finds it difficult to get his two children to school by scooter thinks of buying a car. This not only uplifts his life but also inspires him to be more productive.
(c) ‘Pray to the master of the harvest,’ says Jesus. We are stewards of our lives, relationships, and work. We shall pray that we shall give our full selves to what we do, and who we own.
In the first reading, the Lord God, through the prophet Hosea, says, “They sow the wind.” This expression brings forth the futility and vanity of their works.
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A hope-filled person sees problems as opportunities (Jubilee 2025 AD, bite 143).
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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