Daily Catholic Lectio
Sat, 8 February ‘25
Fourth Week in Ordinary Time – Saturday
Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21. Psalm 23. Mark 6:30-34
Three dimensions of discipleship
According to Mark’s understanding, discipleship has three dimensions: (a) Being called – Jesus calls His disciples to be with Him (Mk 3:14). (b) Being sent – He sends them out two by two for their mission (yesterday’s Gospel). (c) Returning – The disciples return to Jesus and report all that they have done (today’s Gospel).
After their mission, when the apostles return to Jesus, He takes them to a quiet place to rest. However, the crowd recognizes them and follows them. Seeing their hunger for guidance, Jesus sets aside His own plans and compassionately teaches them.
The journey toward God always involves two other movements: (a) Turning inward into solitude and reflection. (b) Turning outward in compassion toward others. and (c) Spiritual Lessons from Today’s Gospel.
(a) Returning to prayer
Each morning when we wake, God calls us into a new day. He sends us into our families, workplaces, and responsibilities to carry out our mission. At the end of the day, as we return home, it is essential to pause and pray—whether by going to a church, reading the Scriptures, or sitting in silent reflection.
This daily act of prayer is a way of turning back to God. Just as the disciples returned to Jesus to share their experiences, we too must return to Him daily in prayer, gratitude, and surrender.
(b) The journey of self-discovery
God calls us out of the noise of the world, away from the distractions of crowds, victories, and failures. He gives us space to rediscover who we truly are.
When we step away from the chaos of life, we find clarity and direction. This inward journey teaches us about ourselves—about our strengths, weaknesses, and purpose.
(c) The journey toward others
Even as Jesus sought a moment of rest, He saw the needs of the people and set aside His own comfort to teach them. True compassion is not self-centred; rather, it moves us to serve others.
When we are truly compassionate, we do not wait but act immediately. Compassion leads us to step beyond our own needs and respond to the suffering of others.
Discipleship as a lifelong journey
Each of these three dimensions of discipleship—being called, sent, and returning—forms a spiritual journey.
In today’s first reading, the author of Hebrews prays: “May God equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him through Jesus Christ.”
This reminds us that it is God who prepares us for the good works we do.
In today’s responsorial psalm, David calls the Lord his Shepherd and proclaims:
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life!” (cf. Ps 23)
When we live as disciples, we walk under the guidance of God’s love and mercy.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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