Daily Catholic Lectio
Thu, 17 October ‘24
XXVIII Week in Ordinary Time, Thursday
Ephesians 1:1-10. Luke 11:47-54
A prophet’s frustrations
Jesus’ meal-scolding ends in today’s gospel reading. The host (a Pharisee) might have regretted having called Jesus for the dinner. Jesus has really ‘spoilt’ their dinner mood. We could also understand the text as the reflection of the evangelist who wrote it. Early Christianity had to fight a great fight to establish its identity amidst the institutionalised Jewish religion. The early Christians must have rubbed shoulders with the Pharisees, the Scribes, and the Teachers of the Law. This tension reflects in the woe-formulae.
The two woe-texts in today’s gospel reading are addressed to two different groups: one, in general, and two, in particular, to the Teachers of the Law. The evangelist also writes in the end the reaction of the groups.
We can understand these woes as the prophet’s frustrations. A prophet, when his message is not received, vents out his feelings in the form of curses or woes. Jesus knew very well what awaited other prophets as well. He is heading towards the wall to hit against it when he utters these curses. In other words, Jesus in a way kindles the anger of his enemies.
How do we understand Jesus’ woes?
(a) Expression of Jesus’ prophetic role. A prophet’s role is not only to announce but also to denounce. Jesus denounces the existing structures of his time. However, he knew that his message was not welcomed.
(b) A call for repentance. By using harsh words, Jesus invites his audience to repent, to convert, or to change their ways of life.
(c) A lesson for his disciples. Jesus indirectly exhorts his disciples not to imitate the Pharisees, the Scribes, and the Teachers of the Law.
What’s the lesson for us?
When we assume a prophetic role, we too may face frustrations. And we also learn that a prophet’s frustration invites us to change our course of life.
In the first reading, we hear the opening words of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Paul underscores God’s plan for every individual. God wishes that we work to realise the goal that he has established for us.
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The ‘pilgrims of hope’ undertake a prophetic role in their communities. (Jubilee 2025 AD, bite 227)
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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