Daily Catholic Lectio
Thu, 3 Oct ‘24
XXVI Week in Ordinary Time, Thursday
Job 19:21-27. Luke 10:1-12
My redeemer lives
In the first reading, Job makes a powerful faith declaration: ‘my redeemer lives.’ ‘Redeemer’ is someone repays the debt and restores the original state of life (cf. Ruth 4). In the gospel reading, Jesus sends seventy-two disciples on mission to proclaim the living Redeemer.
1. Faith in the living redeemer amidst suffering
In today’s reading from Job, we witness a man in deep anguish and pain, yet still clinging to the hope that his redeemer lives. Job says, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand on the earth” (Job 19:25). Despite his suffering and the loss of everything he held dear, Job maintains his faith that God will ultimately vindicate him. His faith transcends his present circumstances because it is rooted in the conviction that God is alive and will bring justice and redemption, even when all seems lost.
Like Job, we often face times of suffering and doubt, yet we are called to trust that our Redeemer is alive and active in our lives. Experiencing the presence of Christ in our suffering transforms our pain into hope, knowing that God is with us and will ultimately bring healing and justice. Our faith in the living redeemer is the foundation of our Christian life.
2. Proclaiming the living redeemer: Mission of the disciples
In the gospel reading, Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples to proclaim the Kingdom of God. Their mission was to bring peace, heal the sick, and announce that “the Kingdom of God has come near” (Luke 10:9). These disciples were called to share the good news of the living Redeemer with those who were suffering, lost, and in need of salvation. They were not just messengers; they were witnesses of the living God who had transformed their lives. Like Job’s bold declaration, they were sent to proclaim that God’s presence is active and real in the world.
Just as the seventy-two were sent to proclaim the Kingdom, we too are called to share the message that our Redeemer lives. Having experienced Christ’s redeeming power in our own lives, we are invited to go out and proclaim His love, mercy, and salvation to a world in need. Our witness must reflect the truth that Jesus is alive and actively working through us to bring hope to others.
3. Living with urgency and trust in God’s redemption
Jesus tells the disciples that not everyone will accept their message, but they should not be discouraged. “When you enter a town and are not welcomed… shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them” (Luke 10:10-11). This instruction reflects a sense of urgency and trust in God’s ultimate plan. The message of redemption is too important to delay, and even in the face of rejection, the disciples were to move forward with confidence, trusting in the living Redeemer who would guide them.
We are reminded that proclaiming the message of the living Redeemer is urgent, and we must not be disheartened by rejection or opposition. Just as the disciples were sent out to share the good news, we are called to trust that God will work through our efforts, even when we face challenges. Our task is to remain faithful, trusting that our Redeemer is always alive and working through us to accomplish His mission.
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The ‘pilgrims of hope’ experience God’s presence in their lives, especially in times of suffering. (Jubilee 2025 AD, bite 215)
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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