Daily Catholic Lectio. Sun, 9 March ’25. Action is the Word

Daily Catholic Lectio

Sun, 9 March ‘25

First Sunday of Lent

Deuteronomy 26:4-10. Romans 10:8-13. Luke 4:1-13

Action is the Word

When we install a new app on our smartphone, we are presented with a form asking us to “Accept” or “Decline.” With a simple tap on “Accept,” the application is downloaded to our device. Similarly, when opening a new email account, a X or WhatsApp account, or a bank account, we sign documents without reading every detail, trusting that everything will be fine.

From signing legal agreements to saying “I do” in marriage, or declaring “I come, Lord!” in religious commitment— Every declaration we make is based on faith.

Thus, whether it’s downloading a simple app or making a life-changing decision, we say “Yes” with faith. This “Yes” brings privileges and responsibilities. In marriage, in religious vocation, and in faith, this declaration grants us rights that come with commitments.

If human commitments, rooted in faith, bring such privileges, how much more does our faith in God bring us? – This is the message of today’s Divine Word. Our faith strengthens as we declare it in action.

A Declaration of Faith

The Faith of Israel (Deuteronomy 26:4-10)

This passage (first reading) is set against the backdrop of the Feast of First Fruits, where Israelites bring their first harvest offerings to the temple to thank God for their land, His laws, and His covenant with them at Mount Sinai. As they offer their harvest, they must make a faith declaration:

“My father was a wandering Aramean… Today, I bring the first fruits of the land You have given me!”

Three key aspects of Israel’s faith journey emerge in this declaration: (a) “My father was a wandering Aramean” → Recognizing their ancestors (Abraham and the patriarchs) were nomads chosen by God. (b) “We were slaves in Egypt” → Remembering God’s mighty deliverance through Moses. (c) “God brought us to a land flowing with milk and honey” → Acknowledging God’s promise fulfilled.

Thus, by presenting their first fruits, Israelites proclaim their faith in God’s providence. Their offering is not just a ritual—it is a declaration of faith in action.

Faith Expressed in Words and Deeds

The Faith that Saves (Romans 10:8-13)

St. Paul teaches that salvation is for all and explains how one is saved: (a) Confessing with our lips → “Jesus is Lord!” (b) Believing in our hearts → That God raised Him from the dead.

These two aspects—verbal declaration and internal conviction—go hand in hand.

Declaring “Jesus is Lord!” in Paul’s time was dangerous. Jews believed only Yahweh was Lord. Romans insisted Caesar was Lord. To declare “Jesus is Lord!” was a bold act of faith, risking persecution. Believing in Jesus’ resurrection meant fully trusting in God’s saving power, even in the face of suffering. Thus, faith is not just personal belief; it must be expressed in action and commitment.

Jesus’ Declaration of Faith in the Wilderness

Gospel: The Testing of Faith (Luke 4:1-13)

Before Jesus begins His public ministry, He undergoes two key experiences: (a) His Baptism → Where God declares, “You are My beloved Son!” (b) His Temptation in the Wilderness → Where His faith in the Father is tested.

The devil tempts Jesus three times, trying to disrupt God’s plan:

1st Temptation: “Turn stones into bread.” A test of self-sufficiency—Will Jesus use His divine power for His own needs? Jesus responds: “Man shall not live by bread alone” (Deut 8:3). Faith is trusting in God, not in material comfort.

2nd Temptation: “Bow to me, and I will give You all the kingdoms of the world.” A test of loyalty—Who does Jesus serve, God or worldly power? Jesus declares: “Worship the Lord your God alone” (Deut 6:13). Faith is choosing God over power and status.

3rd Temptation: “Throw Yourself from the temple—God will protect You.” A test of trust—Does Jesus need to “prove” God’s protection? Jesus refuses: “You shall not test the Lord your God” (Deut 6:16). Faith is trusting without demanding signs.

In each temptation, Jesus proclaims His faith through action. He chooses obedience over power, trust over control, and mission over comfort.

This is His faith declaration in action.

How do we declare our faith today?

1. A constant faith – in abundance and in need

The Israelite farmer makes his faith declaration with hands full of first fruits. Jesus makes His faith declaration in the barren wilderness. True faith remains the same whether we are in prosperity or in suffering.

2. A faith that stands in both the temple and the wilderness

The first reading’s declaration happens in the temple, a place of peace and gratitude. The Gospel’s declaration happens in the wilderness, a place of trial and testing. Faith is needed both in moments of comfort and in times of struggle.

3. A faith that recognizes its roots and spreads its branches

The Israelite farmer remembers: “My ancestors were wanderers.” Jesus, after His baptism, sets His roots in the Father’s love and branches into His mission. True faith is both grounded in God’s promises and open to God’s mission.

Faith is Action

As Paul says in today’s second reading: “If you confess with your lips and believe in your heart, you will be saved.” Thus, our faith declarations must become actions.

Words must become deeds. Belief must become commitment. Faith must be expressed in life choices. For faith to be real, it must be lived. Because in the end, “Action is the Word.”

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy