Daily Catholic Lectio
Wed, 15 January ‘25
First Week in Ordinary Time – Wednesday
Hebrews 2:14-18. Psalm 105. Mark 1:29-39
Continuous temptation!
Today’s gospel reading illustrates a moment we might not usually label as a “temptation” for Jesus – but it truly is. After healing Simon’s mother-in-law and many others, Jesus rises early to pray. He seeks solitude to be with His Father. Yet, Simon and the others interrupt His prayer with an urgent plea: “Everyone is looking for you!” They essentially invite Him to stay where He is, among those who already appreciate His presence and miracles. This scenario highlights a subtle but powerful temptation: to remain in the comfort of the familiar.
1. The temptation to stay in the familiar
“Everyone is looking for you!” – the disciples’ words sound both flattering and reassuring. It’s always tempting to remain in places where people already know us, love us, and applaud what we do. We might call it the “joy of being needed” or “the delight of being recognized.” But Jesus discerns that this can become a snare, keeping Him from His larger mission.
Jesus responds, “Let us go on to the neighbouring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” His answer shows He refuses to settle for popularity or comfort. Instead, He looks to the larger horizon of God’s will.
2. Our own battle with loss aversion
In economics, there’s a principle called the “loss aversion fallacy.” We naturally avoid risks because losing something we have feels worse than the joy of gaining something new. Spiritually, this manifests when we fear stepping into the unknown or giving up our comfortable routines—even if doing so could bring greater fruit or deeper union with God.
We see this “loss aversion” in the parable of the talents (cf. Mt 25:14–30). The third servant buries his talent rather than risking it. He clings to the security of keeping what he has—yet he ends up losing it anyway. In our own lives, how often do we bury our gifts and remain in spiritual comfort zones simply because we are afraid of what lies beyond?
3. Jesus the High Priest: merciful and faithful
The first reading (cf. Heb 2:14–18) reminds us that Jesus, our High Priest, was like us “in every respect,” tempted as we are, yet without sin. He was merciful to the people He served and faithful to God’s plan. That faithful obedience required constant discernment—choosing the Father’s will over human praise or personal comfort.
We see Jesus’ mercy when He cares for the sick and the oppressed. We see His faithfulness when He refuses to remain solely in one place, despite the disciples’ urging. He opts instead to continue the mission entrusted to Him. These two qualities—mercy toward people and faithfulness to God—shaped Jesus’ priesthood.
Summing up, Jesus knew the subtle temptation of settling in a place where people cheered for Him. He overcame it by choosing the Father’s mission over personal comfort. As our merciful and faithful High Priest, He understands our own struggles with fear and complacency. Today, let us ask for the grace to follow Him into the unknown—beyond our routines, beyond our fears—trusting that God’s plans far surpass any temporary comfort we might cling to. Then, like Jesus, we will fulfil our true calling and experience the joy of doing the Father’s will.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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