Daily Catholic Lectio. Tue, 4 February ’25. Eyes Fixed on Jesus!

Daily Catholic Lectio

Tue, 4 February ‘25

Fourth Week in Ordinary Time – Tuesday

Saint John de Britto, Memorial

Hebrews 12:1-4. Psalm 22. Mark 5:21-43

(Ordinary Day’s Readings)

Eyes Fixed on Jesus!

The Letter to the Hebrews, while presenting Jesus as the Supreme High Priest, also provides encouragement and strength to a suffering Church. The author beautifully illustrates this lesson with a striking image (first reading):

“Let us throw off every burden and the sin that clings to us, and run with perseverance the race that lies ahead, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of our faith!”

Running a race, boxing, farming, and warfare were common metaphors in Greek moral literature during the time of Jesus (or Paul).

A runner cannot move forward while carrying unnecessary burdens. We must shed our attachments and run with perseverance. The distractions around us—competitors running faster, obstacles, fatigue, or heat—should not deter us. Our focus must be on the goal. Speed alone does not guarantee victory; direction matters.

Faith is a journey

The author reminds us that faith is a journey—not just something we start, but something God sustains and perfects.

In today’s Gospel, we encounter two people who kept their eyes on Jesus: (a) The woman suffering from haemorrhage; and (b) Jairus, the synagogue leader. Both their journeys began with faith, faced obstacles, and ultimately received what they sought. They ran their race with perseverance.

Spiritual lessons from today’s readings

1. Overcoming obstacles

The woman’s obstacle was the crowd. She could only reach out to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment—but that was enough! Jairus faced three obstacles: (a) The crowd—Jesus’ journey started alone, but soon people surrounded Him. (b) The interruption—The healing of the woman delayed Jesus, creating a life-or-death situation for Jairus’ daughter. (c) The messengers’ news—Servants arrived to say, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher any longer!” Despite these barriers, faith triumphed. Jesus reassured Jairus: “Do not fear. Just believe!”

2. The presence of Jesus

If we are running towards Jesus, He is also running towards us—until the very end! The news of death reached Jesus’ ears as well. Yet, He did not tell Jairus to accept fate or the sad reality of death. Instead, Jesus walked with him to his house. Jesus demonstrated His authority over both nature and death. Even when we face failures, despair, and uncertainty, we must remember: God walks with us till the end.

3. The laughter of the people

Whenever we say, “I can do this!” someone is ready to mock and discourage us: “You cannot achieve this!” “This is impossible!” The moment people laughed at Jesus, He ignored them and proceeded. Many people sit around us, lamenting and wailing over life’s difficulties. If we keep listening to their cries, we will never move forward.

Jairus’ faith was tested even at the doorstep of his house. Yet, he did not give up. He believed till the very end. And his daughter was restored to life.

“The hearts of those who seek the Lord will live!”, sings the Psalmist (Psalm 22).

St. John de Britto (Arul Anandar)

Today, we commemorate St. John de Britto (Arul Anandar), known as the ‘Pearl of Marava’ and the ‘Saint of the Red Soil.’ A great missionary of the Madurai Mission from the Jesuit Order, he embraced suffering for Christ.

On January 31, 1693, he was taken to Oriyur, imprisoned, and sentenced to death.

On February 3, he wrote his final letter to his superior: “I have been separated from Christians and handed over to the prince of Oriyur. A secret order has already been sent for my execution. I arrived here on January 31. I eagerly await my martyrdom—it will fulfil my mission. Now, at last, I can repay my life as an offering for the work I have done.”

Behind these words lies deep sorrow. As he knelt for beheading, what thoughts would have run through his heart? How could he abandon his homeland, his security, and all comforts, and lay his life down on this soil?

May his witness inspire us to fix our eyes on Jesus and run the race with faith!

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy