Daily Catholic Lectio
Fri, 14 March ‘25
First Week of Lent – Friday
Ezekiel 18:21-28. Psalm 130. Matthew 5:20-26
Surpassing the ordinary
We all desire to be better today than we were yesterday—whether in health, finances, inner peace, relationships, or our bond with God. However, it is unrealistic to expect growth while repeating the same actions.
Today’s readings teach us that growth does not happen automatically; we must follow the path of righteousness that exceeds the other to attain it.
A call to a higher standard
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells His disciples: “Your righteousness must surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees.” He teaches that true righteousness is not just about offering sacrifices to God, but about being in right relationship with others.
This teaching highlights three key lessons:
(a) Choosing what is right over what is easy. Life constantly presents us with two choices: what is easy and what is right. What is easy is not always right. For example, offering sacrifices at the temple is easy. But loving others in our families and communities is right. Holding on to anger, jealousy, and resentment while standing before God in worship is a contradiction.
(b) The journey from the external to the internal. A higher way of life is not just about external religious rituals or social status. Instead, it begins within our hearts. If my heart is filled with light, I can recognize and overcome my inner struggles before they affect others.
(c) Removing the root cause, not just the actions. True spiritual transformation is not just about avoiding sinful actions but eliminating the emotions and thoughts that cause them. Murder begins as anger. Hatred begins as resentment. Greed begins as desire. The focus should not only be on avoiding evil actions but on purifying the heart.
A call to conversion
In today’s first reading, God calls the people of Israel to conversion. The wicked must turn from their sins. The righteous must persevere in their goodness.
Today’s resolutions: We will strive to be better today than we were yesterday. We will take concrete steps towards this growth—starting now. Through this effort, we will return to our own selves, to God, and to my brothers and sisters.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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