Daily Catholic Lectio
Sat, 15 March ‘25
First Week of Lent – Saturday
Deuteronomy 26:16-19. Psalm 119. Matthew 5:43-48
Be perfect
“Perfection is the fullness of ‘just a little more.’”
Today’s Gospel reading invites us to live toward that fullness.
As a summary of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives His disciples one core teaching:
“Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)
Jesus is not saying: “Lower your standards according to your actions.” Instead, He says: “Raise your goal, and elevate your actions to meet it.” Loving even our enemies and praying for those who persecute us makes us true children of the Heavenly Father.
A call beyond the ordinary
Philosopher Albert Camus once said: “Many times, we say, ‘This is all I can do.’ At least do that much!”
Jesus goes beyond the Law of Moses: The Law taught “Love your neighbour, hate your enemy.” Jesus extends it to “Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you.”
Why? Because this is how God loves! The sun and rain do not change their nature based on who is good or bad. They shine and pour equally upon all. God, too, extends His love without discrimination.
Holiness as perfection
In the first reading, Moses describes ‘perfection’ as holiness. He tells Israel: “Those who keep the Lord’s commandments will be exalted.” If God’s love does not depend on others’ behaviour, why should our love? A love that does not discriminate, does not divide, does not judge—How beautiful would that be?
When do we reach this state?
When we overcome our personal likes and dislikes.
As life moves forward:
Our social circles shrink.
Our patience grows.
Compassion replaces anger.
Letting go becomes easier.
We begin to release the burdens we once carried.
People seem more alike than different.
The world becomes less about arguments and more about peace.
We smile at children naturally.
We extend a helping hand to the elderly.
An ambulance passing by stirs a silent prayer on our lips.
As time shortens, but fullness increases.
A call to walk further
In the first reading, Moses urges Israel to be eager to fulfil their covenant with God.
What is our invitation today? “Take just one more step.”
If we walk a little further with Christ in His suffering, we will share in His Resurrection. And that Resurrection is our fullness.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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