Daily Catholic Lectio
Sat, 1 March ‘25
Seventh Week in Ordinary Time – Saturday
Sirach 17:1-15. Psalm 103. Mark 10:13-16
Upholding Human Dignity
We all remember the incident where Jesus cleansed the Temple in Jerusalem out of righteous anger. In today’s Gospel reading, we see another instance where Jesus gets angry—not at the money changers, but at His own disciples for hindering children from coming to Him.
“Let the little children come to me!” is Jesus’ invitation.
The cultural context
During Jesus’ time, rabbis were not expected to interact with women or children in public. In this context, the disciples prevent the children from approaching Jesus.
Children under the age of twelve were often seen as possessions rather than individuals with dignity. However, by welcoming them, Jesus elevates their status and affirms their worth. He even goes further to say that only those who receive the Kingdom like a child will enter it.
How do we treat children today?
Do we welcome and respect those smaller, weaker, or more vulnerable than us?
Do we nurture children’s dignity, or do we see them as burdens, distractions, or mere responsibilities?
Every child is a possibility; and has a great potential to become!
Wisdom on human dignity
In today’s first reading, Ben Sirach speaks about the dignity of human beings. He distinguishes humanity from the rest of creation, especially from animals, by emphasizing:
Free will – The ability to make choices.
Conscious thought – The capacity for reasoning and understanding.
Moral responsibility – Humans are accountable for their actions before God.
The sixth sense of intellect and the seventh sense of spiritual wisdom set humans apart.
Our call to responsibility
How do we use our intelligence and moral freedom?
Are we fulfilling our God-given responsibility to care for creation?
Do we recognize the divine image in every human being, especially in children?
Jesus’ invitation challenges us to respect, nurture, and protect the dignity of all, particularly the most vulnerable among us.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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