Daily Catholic Lectio
Mon, 2 December ‘24
First Week of Advent – Monday
Isaiah 2:1-5. Psalm 122. Matthew 8:5-11
God’s Word and Our Words
John the Evangelist proclaims the mystery of God’s incarnation: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). From the very beginning, the Word existed (John 1:1). At Christmas, we celebrate the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ. Today, let us reflect on the words we speak in light of the divine Word that God speaks to us.
We live and communicate through words. Words shape our thoughts, express promises, and define relationships. Yet, for God, words are not just sounds; they are actions. The Hebrew term ‘davar’ conveys this unity of word and deed. In creation, God said, “Let there be light,” and at that moment, light came into existence (Genesis 1:3). For God, word and action are simultaneous, not subsequent. God’s word is never empty; it is always creative and transformative.
As followers of Christ, our words too must lead to action. If I say, “I will wake up at 6 o’clock,” then I must follow through and wake up at 6. Words that fail to turn into deeds are like seeds that never sprout.
In today’s first reading, Isaiah reminds us, “The word of the Lord goes forth from Zion.” God’s word gave hope and new life to the exiled people in Babylon. Those who heard the Lord’s word responded, saying, “Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord” (Isaiah 2:5). When we open our hearts to God’s word, it draws us closer to Him and sets us on a path of renewal.
In the Gospel, the centurion demonstrates deep faith in the power of Jesus’ word. He says, “Just say the word, and my servant will be healed” (Matthew 8:8). He recognizes that the divine word has authority beyond human comprehension. As the word of Jesus is spoken, it brings immediate healing to the centurion’s servant. The Word of God always accomplishes what it intends.
Similarly, the psalmist blesses the city of Jerusalem with words of peace: “May peace be within you, and security within your walls” (Psalm 122:7). Words spoken with faith, love, and blessing can transform lives, bringing peace and healing to those who receive them.
Word to Life:
(a) Revere God’s word: Let us recognize the power of God’s Word and immerse ourselves in Scripture to understand His will for our lives.
(b) Speak with integrity: Our words carry weight. Let us ensure that our words lead to meaningful actions and are not empty promises.
(c) Be a messenger of peace: Like the psalmist, let our words bring healing and peace. Today, as we speak to someone, let us consciously bless them with a simple prayer: “May peace dwell within you, your home, and your work.”
May we, as “pilgrims of hope,” speak only words that heal, uplift, and bring others closer to God. (Jubilee 2025 AD, bite 263).
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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