Daily Catholic Lectio. Sat, 5 April ’25. Each Returned to His Own Home

Daily Catholic Lectio

Sat, 5 April ‘25

Fourth Week of Lent – Saturday

Jeremiah 11:18–20. John 7:40–53

Each Returned to His Own Home

The final line of today’s Gospel strikes a reflective chord: “Then each went to his own house.” Why does the Evangelist choose to record this detail? Of course, at the end of the day, everyone returns home. But what spiritual value does this line offer?

We find a similar phrase in 1 Samuel 8:22:

“Then Samuel said to the Israelites, ‘Each of you go back to your own city.’” At that time, the people had gathered as one to demand a king from the prophet Samuel. After presenting their request to God and relaying God’s word to them, Samuel sends everyone back to their own cities.

Likewise, in today’s Gospel, there is confusion among the learned Jews about who Jesus is. Some say, “He is the Messiah,” while others disagree. Meanwhile, officers are sent to arrest Jesus. But they return empty-handed, saying: “No one ever spoke like this man!”

Even among the Pharisees, we see a division. Nicodemus begins to speak on Jesus’ behalf. But Jesus’ Galilean background becomes a stumbling block for them.

In the First Reading, we see the prophet Jeremiah in deep confusion about his own prophetic mission. He surrenders to God, seeking meaning in his suffering.

The Gospel is full of confusion about Jesus. This is where the phrase “each returned to his own house” becomes meaningful.

Before discussing big questions like “Do we need a king?” or “Is Jesus the Messiah?”, people must first go back and clarify their inner confusion—the confusions of the “home.”

Without sorting out the turmoil within, we cannot fully understand or accept the presence of God. Jeremiah seeks to resolve his inner struggle in God’s presence.

Today’s Gospel raises three questions:

Am I willing to return to my own “home”—my heart—and deal with the confusion inside me?

Do I have the courage to seek clarity within?

For the Pharisees, Jesus’ humble Galilean background becomes a reason to reject Him.

What internal or external factors stop me from accepting God in my life?

The boldness of the guards is surprising. Even at the risk of punishment, they boldly testify to Jesus. Do I have such courage today?

How do I see Jesus—His teaching and His actions?

Finally: Today’s Gospel is full of questions, but gives no answers. Are they questions with no answers? Or questions asked even though the answers are already known? Or questions that people don’t want answers to? The Pharisees ask: “Have you too been deceived?”

This event teaches us two things: First, how am I growing in my understanding of Jesus?

Second, in life, we often do not have answers to many issues.

When we are unable to face public or general problems, it’s better to return home.

Because it is at home—within—that clarity is born.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy