Daily Catholic Lectio
Mon, 3 March ‘25
Eighth Week in Ordinary Time – Monday
Sirach 17:20-29. Psalm 32. Mark 10:17-27
One thing you lack!
A young man approaches Jesus. Unlike many of his peers, his search is for something greater—eternal life. He asks the right question to the right person. But when he hears the answer, he turns away. He comes halfway but hesitates to go further.
This rich young man had followed the commandments since childhood. Yet, Jesus tells him:
“Go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”
In this one command, Jesus includes three truths:
(a) The Law alone is not enough – Obeying God’s commandments is the first step, but true discipleship demands more.
(b) Wealth can hinder discipleship – Wealth gives a false sense of sufficiency, making us feel we do not need God or others.
(c) Compassion for the poor leads to heavenly riches – Helping the poor is not optional; it is the path to spiritual wealth.
I used to think, if Jesus had asked the young man to give his wealth to Jesus himself, he might have done so. Many people today are willing to donate to build a church, but when asked to support the education of a poor child, they hesitate.
Many wealthy people want a God greater than themselves, but they do not want the poor to rise above them. God desires the upliftment of the poor, but the rich resist it.
Even among those who want to help the poor, society labels them as “Judases“. After all, it was Judas who practically suggested that the costly perfume be sold and given to the poor.
Helping the poor remains a mystery, as does poverty itself.
What Lessons Do We Learn?
(a) The young man’s search and question
The young man knew what he wanted—eternal life. This is significant because many people today do not know what they truly desire. They live in indecision, wanting this and that, torn between choices.
(b) Dedication to the Law
The young man was not content with just a wish. He had already taken steps by following the commandments. Actions, not mere desires, lead us to the next level in life.
(c) How do we respond to Jesus?
We often criticize the young man for not following Jesus. But what if Jesus gave us the same command?
St. Anthony took this call personally—he immediately sold everything and went into the desert. The young man at least had the courage to say: “I cannot do this.” Many of us are stuck in between—half-heartedly clinging to both wealth and God.
Depend on God, not wealth
Jesus beautifully states: “For human beings, this is impossible, but for God, all things are possible.” Let us rely on God’s grace to detach from worldly possessions and seek His true and lasting fulfilment.
The first reading: The value of charity
In Sirach 17:20-29, Ben Sirach teaches that God rewards those who practice charity.
We are called not only to keep the law but to go beyond it—to love, give, and live selflessly.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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