Daily Catholic Lectio
Tue, 19 November ‘24
XXXIII Week in Ordinary Time, Tuesday
Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22. Psalm 15:2-3, 4, 5. Luke 19:1-10
God who knocks at our door
The first reading of the day paints a vivid and beautiful image: God is knocking at our door. To open the door to the One who knocks, we must rise from where we are, letting Him in. Remarkably, God, who comes to us as a guest, transforms into our gracious host.
This theme is brought to life in the encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus (gospel reading). Zacchaeus, eager to see Jesus, climbs a sycamore tree. But when Jesus gazes upon him, everything changes. Jesus calls Zacchaeus by name, and his response is immediate and wholehearted. Zacchaeus’ journey toward Jesus inspires him to journey toward others in love and justice. Such transformation is made possible only because Jesus first journeyed toward him.
As the psalmist affirms, “The Lord is near to all who call on Him” (Ps 145:18-19). When we truly encounter God, our lives are renewed. As He enters the home of our hearts, we are invited to clear away what is unnecessary or sinful to make space for His presence.
Zacchaeus responded quickly, completely, and resolutely to Jesus. In contrast, the church in Sardis offered only a partial response, and the church in Laodicea was lukewarm (cf. Rev 3).
God acts in the ‘today’ of our lives. When we respond to Him in our present moment, He comes to dwell with us and dine with us. In this divine encounter, the roles are reversed—He becomes our host, nourishing us with His grace.
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As ‘pilgrims of hope,’ we are called to journey forward, setting aside the obstacles that hinder us, and opening ourselves fully to the God who knocks at our door. (Jubilee 2025 AD, bite 252).
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Missionary of Mercy
Archdiocese of Madurai
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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