Daily Catholic Lectio
Thu, 5 December 2024
First Week of Advent – Thursday
Isaiah 26:1-6. Psalm 118. Matthew 7:21, 24-27
This is the Lord’s gate!
In every home, there are doors or gates. These are not just openings in the wall but opportunities to enter and exit. Every day, we pass through many doors—our home, car, workplace, church, shops, hospitals, and more. Each time, something changes in us. For example, we might enter a hospital as someone unwell and leave feeling healed. Doors symbolize change, growth, and protection.
But above all these doors, there is one ultimate gate: the Lord’s gate. This is not just the gate to heaven after death—it is the gate we are called to enter today, here, and now, through faith in Him.
What is the Lord’s Gate?
For the Israelites, Jerusalem was their mighty city. Surrounded by towers and walls, they believed it was unshakable—until it fell to enemies. This taught them that human-built cities, no matter how strong, will eventually crumble. Isaiah, in the first reading, offers a vision of a different kind of city: “the Lord’s city.” This city is not built with stones but with faith. To enter this city, one needs not wealth or power, but integrity.
Isaiah’s message is clear: only those with faith, justice, and firmness of purpose can enter the Lord’s gate. Faith means trusting that God will protect us. Justice and integrity reflect a life lived honestly. Firmness of purpose ensures we don’t stray toward idols or false securities.
The Foundation of Our Lives
In the Gospel, Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with a powerful image of two houses. One is built on rock, the other on sand. The house on the rock stands firm against storms, while the one on sand collapses.
This is a reminder that discipleship can take two forms:
(a) Living by words: Simply saying, “Lord, Lord,” without truly following Him.
(b) Living by actions: Doing the will of the Father by embodying faith, integrity, and love.
The true gate to heaven is not just what we say, but what we do. Our actions reveal whether our lives are built on solid rock or shifting sand.
Doing the Will of the Father
What does it mean to do the Father’s will?
(a) Obey God’s commandments: Live out the two great commandments: love God and love your neighbour.
(b) True discipleship: Show love, compassion, justice, humility, and sacrifice in your daily life.
(c) Living the Beatitudes: Embody the values Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12).
(d) Avoid hypocrisy: Be genuine in your relationship with God, others, and yourself.
(e) Surrender to God’s plan: Like Mary, say, “Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).
From Word to Life
(a) Every door we enter today is a reminder of the ultimate gate—the Lord’s gate. Through His mercy, we too may enter (Psalm 118).
(b) As we step through the doors of life, let faith, integrity, and purpose guide our hearts. May these doors bring us peace and serenity.
(c) When doors seem closed, trust that God can open a new way. Let us also help open doors for others in need.
As pilgrims of hope, let us live each day with our hearts set on the final door, the gate of eternal life. (Jubilee 2025, bite 265).
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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