Daily Catholic Lectio
Tue, 1 Oct ‘24
XXVI Week in Ordinary Time, Tuesday
Saint Teresa of Child Jesus, Memoria
Job 3:1-4a, 11-17, 20-23. Luke 9:51-56
Fire from heaven
In the gospel reading, Jesus begins his journey towards Jerusalem. Jesus begins his journey keeping in mind his final journey of ascension – from the earth to God. The Gospel of Luke is often known as the gospel of the journey because of the long journey that Jesus undertakes. All his miracles and teachings are part of the journey.
The Samaritans ‘on the way’ were hesitant to accept Jesus; maybe because Jesus was oriented to Judea (Jerusalem), or they did not know Jesus, or they did not like him. The people of Jesus’ time would avoid the Samaritan route when they traveled from Galilee to Judea. But Jesus does not show any discrimination. He chooses to travel through Samaria.
The disciples of Jesus, who were offended by the Samaritans’ insult of their master, want to bring fire on them. They become reactive and myopic and attempt to find a short-term solution. They forget, in their enthusiasm, that the fire that comes down from heaven would consume them as well. Jesus admonishes his disciples. Jesus does not use his miraculous power to his advantage (except when he had to pay the temple tax!). Jesus does not yield to the temptation caused by his own disciples.
Jesus does not allow his energy to be wasted on being reactive. He changes his path and goes towards Jerusalem. He never allowed the objection of the Samaritans to obstruct his ways.
What are the lessons for us?
(a) Transcending the differentiating attitude. The categories with which we differentiate people – high and low, pure and impure – exist not in the outside world but exist in between our two ears. We need to become conscious and cautious of it.
(b) Our life is a journey. Jesus’ journey towards Jerusalem makes us understand that our life is a journey. We may experience criticisms, obstructions, and rejections on our way, but we need to go on. As Jesus did, we too must have our minds fixed on the goal.
(c) Eliminating our energy leaks. Guarding one’s energy is a sign of maturity. When we become reactive or judgmental to the circumstances of our lives, we lose our energies. It is necessary that we guard our energy.
In the first reading, Job curses his day of birth. The metaphor of light as referring to life is predominant here. Job, who has incurred losses of property and children for no reason, mourns over his deprivation. The friends who have come to comfort Job are waiting to talk. Job and his friends do not know why great pain has come on Job. Job is led into helplessness and despair.
Later, when God shows him the bigger, better picture, Job’s attitude changes. When Jesus enlightens his disciples on the road, their attitude changes.
On Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, known as the ‘Little Flower,’ teaches us the beauty of holiness through simplicity and love. Her ‘Little Way’ of childlike trust and small acts of kindness shows that greatness in God’s eyes comes from humility and love, not grand gestures. Thérèse’s deep intimacy with Christ, despite her hidden and ordinary life, reminds us that we can find God in every moment by offering even the smallest deeds to Him. She inspires us to embrace our daily crosses with joy and surrender, trusting in God’s infinite mercy and love.
#
The ‘pilgrims of hope’ constantly renew their attitude. (Jubilee 2025 AD, bite 213)
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
Leave a comment