Daily Catholic Lectio. Thu, 27 February ’25. Fire and Salt

Daily Catholic Lectio

Thu, 27 February ‘25

Seventh Week in Ordinary Time – Thursday

Sirach 5:1-8. Psalm 1. Mark 9:41-50

Fire and Salt

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks about two essential aspects of Christian discipleship: (a) Caring for the weak and (b) Avoiding any form of sin in our lives.

At the end of the passage, Jesus uses two powerful metaphors—fire and salt: (a) Purification through fire; (b) Preserving the essence of discipleship through salt.

(a) Purification through fire

“Everyone will be purified with fire, just as sacrifices are purified with salt,” says Jesus. This teaching appears only in Mark’s Gospel. In Jewish tradition, sacrifices offered in the Temple of Jerusalem were sprinkled with salt to preserve them and make them acceptable. The salt would dissolve into the meat, transforming it completely.

Similarly, disciples will be purified through fire. But this fire is not the eternal fire of hell. Instead, it refers to the trials and sufferings disciples will face in this world. Just as fire refines gold, suffering prepares disciples for their mission.

(b) Preserving the quality of salt

Salt that loses its flavour becomes useless, like ordinary dust. As long as salt retains its taste, it serves its purpose. Likewise, a disciple remains true to Christ only as long as he preserves the essence of discipleship.

Jesus urges His followers: (a) Remain faithful to your mission. (b) Do not lose your purpose. (c) Live in peace with one another.

A true disciple must respect both the weak and the strong, ensuring that all people are valued and uplifted.

First Reading: Holding on to God

In today’s first reading, Ben Sirach offers both moral wisdom and spiritual advice:

“Do not be led by your desires or your strength… Do not delay turning back to the Lord!”

His words remind us not to rely solely on our own strength, but to trust in God’s wisdom.

Final reflection

Just as salt transforms food, and fire purifies metal, suffering strengthens our faith.

Are we allowing trials to purify our discipleship?

Are we preserving our spiritual essence, like salt retains its flavour?

Are we living in peace with others, as Jesus calls us to do?

May our faith shine like a refining fire and preserve its essence like salt, so that we may be true disciples of Christ.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy