Daily Catholic Lectio
Fri, 28 March ‘25
Third Week of Lent – Friday
Hosea 14:1-9; Mark 12:28-34
With understanding
In the parable of the prodigal son, the phrase “he came to his senses” marks the turning point of the story. It is the moment of clarity for the younger son who had distanced himself from his father. In contrast, the elder son, though physically close to the father, acts without that same clarity or understanding.
Today’s First and Gospel Readings affirm that conversion or turning to God is not merely an emotional reaction, but a response of reason and understanding.
How?
We act in life on two levels: emotional and rational. On the emotional level, we are often driven and tossed by our feelings. But on the rational level, we discern what is good and true, and act accordingly. Many of the distortions and cracks in our human relationships are due to our functioning purely on emotional impulses.
In the First Reading (cf. Hosea 14:1–9), the prophet describes how the Israelites, swayed by emotion, turned to foreign gods, made alliances with Assyrians, and trusted in horses and Egypt. Yet the Lord says: “Let whoever is wise understand these things, and whoever is discerning recognize them.”
What must the people of Israel discern?
God’s compassion.
Though they were led astray by emotions, the Lord still shows mercy. When they understand this mercy, they begin to act with integrity.
In the Gospel, when a scribe asks Jesus, “Which is the first commandment?”, Jesus presents love of God and love of neighbour as the two greatest commandments. The scribe, making Jesus’ answer his own, says that these two commandments are greater than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.
Jesus says, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God,” because:
The scribe recognizes the wisdom and insight behind the commandments.
He realizes that love is not just a feeling, but a deliberate, sacrificial action.
Thus, today’s liturgy calls us to move from an emotional level to a level of understanding.
In our relationship with God, when we act emotionally, we often fear, lose faith, feel disheartened, or fail in perseverance.
In our relationships with others, when we act emotionally, we grow irritable, force expectations, or hesitate to accept the other person.
Moving from the emotional to the rational level is possible.
What we need is a little silence.
A moment of calm allows our emotions to settle, and reason to take its place.
Only the one with understanding can truly love—
Because love is not merely a feeling; it is a choice.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
Leave a comment