Daily Catholic Lectio. Mon, 20 January ’25. Hunger and Happiness

Daily Catholic Lectio

Mon, 20 January ‘25

Second Week in Ordinary Time – Monday

Saint Sebastian, Memorial

Hebrews 5:1-10. Psalm 110. Mark 2:18-22

Hunger and Happiness

A group of travellers began their journey early in the morning, filled with joy, dancing, and singing. As time passed, hunger crept in, and their cheerful voices faded into silence. Hours later, when they finally found a place to eat, their spirits revived, and they exclaimed, “Now our life has returned!”

Indeed, there is a profound connection between nourishment and happiness.

In today’s Gospel, the disciples of Jesus are questioned for not fasting, especially when compared to the fasting of John’s disciples and the Pharisees. Fasting, in essence, is a chosen hunger—a discipline undertaken for medical, spiritual, or existential purposes.

All religions invite their followers to fast, often prescribing specific times or seasons for it. True fasting, however, is more than an external ritual; it is a conscious act of will, a choice marked by perseverance.

Hunger, a universal experience, reminds us of our human vulnerability and dependence. In the Old Testament, the Law of Moses mandated fasting on Yom Kippur as a sign of repentance. By Jesus’ time, the Pharisees had turned fasting into a rigid identity marker, judging those who did not observe it and often displaying frustration and self-righteousness.

In contrast, Jesus uses the imagery of a wedding feast to proclaim that during the Messianic banquet, fasting is unnecessary. His words highlight the transformative nature of His mission—the new wine of His presence cannot be contained within the old wineskins of legalism.

The first reading from Hebrews reveals that through His suffering and obedience, Jesus became the source of eternal salvation. His suffering brings us to completion, and when He is with us, there is no need for hunger, pain, or tears.

Lessons for Our Journey:

(a) Religious practices should lead to transformation, not empty ritual. Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are meaningful only when they draw us closer to God and neighbour.

(b) What we deprive loses its power over us. Whether it is anger, bad habits, or sin, depriving these of fuel helps us overcome them.

(c) True happiness comes from union with God. The word ‘enthusiasm’ literally means ‘in God’ (en theos). When we are in God, our joy overflows, and we are called to remember those deprived of basic needs, especially food, and to share in their struggles.

Saint Sebastian

Today, we honour Saint Sebastian, a martyr who saw joy beyond suffering. His unwavering faith and courage inspire us to overcome our fears, illnesses, and hesitations. May he intercede for us, that we may walk boldly in faith and live joyfully in God’s love.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy