Daily Catholic Lectio
Sat, 7 December ‘24
First Week of Advent – Saturday
Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26. Psalm 147. Matthew 9:35-10:1, 6-8
Your Teacher
In our modern age, YouTube and Instagram offer us countless teachers. With a few clicks, we can access tutorials, motivational talks, or even spiritual advice. But amidst this flood of voices, who is truly guiding our lives? Today’s readings reveal God as the ultimate Teacher – a Teacher who speaks through His inner voice, shows compassion, and walks with us in accompaniment.
Isaiah assures us, “Your eyes shall see your teacher. And when you turn to the right or the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” This promise points us to Jesus, whose ministry is described in Matthew as one of teaching, healing, and sending. Let us reflect on three lessons from God, our Teacher, and how they relate to our lives today.
(a) Listen to the inner voice
In Isaiah, we are reminded of the still, guiding voice of God: “This is the way; walk in it.” Unlike the flashy presentations of online influencers, God speaks in the quiet spaces of our hearts. Listening to Him requires silence and attentiveness.
We often allow the noise of the world to drown out His voice. Social media algorithms push us toward trends, but God’s algorithm is eternal and rooted in truth. He invites us to tune into His Word through prayer, Scripture, and reflection.
Ask yourself: Are you taking time to listen to God’s inner voice? Perhaps it’s time to pause amidst life’s chaos and discern His gentle whispers guiding your path.
(b) Be still amidst noise
Psalm 147 celebrates God’s power and gentleness, noting, “He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.” This calls us to practice stillness—not just from external noise but also from the internal clamour of doubts, fears, and anxieties.
In the modern age, we scroll endlessly, seeking answers, validation, or comfort. But Jesus, as seen in the Gospel, models a life of retreat and prayer even amid His busy ministry. He calls us to “come to a deserted place and rest.” Being still allows God to heal us and reveal His plan.
When was the last time you sat quietly in God’s presence? In a world of constant notifications, stillness is an act of faith.
(c) Be a way for those who have lost their way
Matthew’s Gospel shows Jesus moved by compassion for the crowd, “because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” He doesn’t stop at feeling compassion—He acts by teaching, healing, and commissioning His disciples to do the same.
As His disciples today, we are called to be teachers and guides for those who have lost their way. The homeless, the lonely, the confused—all are waiting for someone to accompany them with love and truth. Like Jesus, we must meet them where they are and bring them the good news of God’s kingdom.
In a world where many influencers focus on personal gain, God invites us to be servants of others. Are you using your gifts to lead others toward Him?
From Word to Life:
God, our Teacher, speaks through His inner voice, through acts of compassion, and through His accompaniment on our journeys. As we walk through this world of competing voices, let us:
(a) Listen to His inner voice and discern His will.
(b) Be still in His presence amidst life’s distractions.
(c) Be a way for others, guiding them with love and truth.
As we embrace these lessons, let us remember the promise of Isaiah: “You shall see your teacher.” May we see Him not just with our eyes, but in every moment, and may we walk in His way as faithful disciples.
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The ‘pilgrims of hope’ hear the voice of God in the stillness of their hearts (Jubilee 2025, bite 267).
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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