Daily Catholic Lectio
Mon, 6 Jan ‘25
Monday after the Epiphany
1 John 3:22-4:6. Psalm 2. Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25.
He left Nazareth
The Gospels offer little insight into the life of Jesus between His youth and the beginning of His public ministry. However, St. Matthew highlights a significant moment: Jesus leaving Nazareth to settle in Capernaum, a town in Galilee. This marks the dawn of His mission, as He begins to teach, heal, and proclaim the kingdom of God.
Insights
(a) Choosing the Vulnerable
Palestine in Jesus’ time was divided into three regions: Galilee, Samaria, and Judea. Judea, with Jerusalem at its heart, was the centre of religious and political power. Yet, Jesus chose Galilee—considered a region of the marginalized and vulnerable—as the starting point of His mission. This choice reveals His preferential love for the downtrodden and His focus on bringing hope to the overlooked.
(b) Fulfilment of Prophecy
Isaiah foretold: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” This prophecy comes to life as Jesus begins His ministry, becoming the light for those dwelling in the shadow of despair. Matthew presents Jesus as the fulfilment of the Old Testament promises, embodying God’s faithfulness to His people.
(c) Proclaiming the Kingdom
Rather than centring His proclamation on the Ten Commandments or the Shema, Jesus places the ‘kingdom of God’ at the heart of His message. Through His life and ministry, Jesus reveals that the kingdom is not merely a future reality but is already present among His people.
(d) Miracles
Jesus’ words were powerfully reinforced by His works. Through healing the sick and performing miracles, He manifested God’s compassion and affirmed His authority as the Son of God.
(e) Drawing Followers
Jesus’ teachings and miracles resonated deeply with the people, drawing crowds to follow Him. His message of hope and healing transformed lives, calling them into a relationship with the divine.
Prayerful Reflection
Reflect: Jesus chose the vulnerable and the marginalized as the foundation of His ministry. Who are the vulnerable people in your life? How do you respond to the message of Jesus today?
Feel: In moments of fragility and darkness, God’s light and strength are near to guide us.
Act: Today, let us intentionally reach out to someone who feels vulnerable, offering them hope through kind words or deeds.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You chose to walk among the broken and the forgotten. Help us to recognize Your presence in the vulnerable and to bring them Your light and love. Amen.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
Leave a comment