Daily Catholic Lectio. Sat, 15 February ’25. Clothing and Nourishment!

Daily Catholic Lectio

Sat, 15 February ‘25

Fifth Week in Ordinary Time – Saturday

Genesis 3:9-24. Psalm 90. Mark 8:1-10

Clothing and Nourishment!

Negative experiences, when encountered with God’s presence, can transform into meaningful life lessons.

In today’s first reading, God speaks with the first parents after their fall. The same man who once joyfully declared, “This is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh,” now distances himself from both the woman and God, saying: “The woman You gave me—she gave me the fruit.”

Sin alienates us—from God, from others, and from ourselves. Because of their disobedience, God places a curse on the serpent, the woman, and the man. However, we must understand this ‘curse’ as an etiological (explanatory) narrative rather than mere punishment.

Why does the serpent crawl on the ground? Why does a woman long for her husband? Why does a man toil for his livelihood? The ancient story provides a reason for these realities. In the biblical worldview, a man’s purpose is work, and a woman’s purpose is love. However, modern society often challenges and seeks to redefine these roles.

Yet, even in His judgment, God shows compassion. Though He banishes them from Eden, He clothes them before sending them away—an act of tender care.

Multiplication of loaves: God’s compassion in action

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus sees the crowd that has been following Him for three days and is moved with compassion. Instead of sending them away hungry, He multiplies the loaves and feeds them all, ensuring no one leaves empty-handed.

What can we learn from today’s readings?

1. Compassion or empathy

Many approach life with a transactional mindset— “What do I gain if I do this for someone?” But compassion / empathy asks a different question: “What will happen to them if I do nothing?” True compassion arises when we see the world through another person’s eyes.

2. Resilience amid challenges

Adam and Eve could have given up in despair, thinking: “We have been cast out of Eden—everything is over!” But instead, outside the garden, the woman receives a new identity, the new name – ‘Eve’ (‘Mother of all the living’).

They begin a new life despite their loss and exile. This reminds us that we are often our own greatest obstacle. To move forward, we must overcome the limitations we place upon ourselves.

3. Human participation in divine miracles

Jesus did not cause bread to fall from heaven. Instead, He took what the people already had and multiplied it. God’s compassion and human participation together bring forth great miracles. When we offer what we have, however small, God transforms it into abundance.

Final Thought

Let us learn to trust in God’s care, participate in His work, and respond to challenges with resilience and compassion.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy