Daily Catholic Lectio
Thu, 15 May ‘25
Fourth Week of Easter – Thursday
Acts 13:13–25. John 13:16–20
“If Any One of You…”
A remarkably beautiful scene unfolds in today’s first reading. St. Paul embarks on his first missionary journey. Along with Barnabas and his companions, he travels from Perga to Antioch in Pisidia. There, on the Sabbath, they go to the synagogue and sit among the congregation.
That one moment stands out.
They do not step forward saying, “We are the chosen apostles of God; we know everything.” They simply join the people and sit with them, not above them. To sit quietly among others, with humility and simplicity, demands a special inner strength.
In his book “The Difficulty of Being Good”, Gurucharan Das recalls visiting a hospital for a medical check-up. When asked by a receptionist for his name, he pointed to the day’s Times of India and said, “See page 14.” The nurse looked, found his editorial with his name below it, noted it down silently, and with a smile, said, “Please take a seat. I’ll call your name when it’s your turn.”
Das then reflects: “I knew I’d never meet her again, but something inside me still wanted her to recognize who I was. Why?” And he concludes: “It’s because deep down, all of us want to feel important, to be seen, acknowledged.”
But Paul shows no sign of such self-importance. He sits with the people.
Sometimes, just sitting in silence among others would solve half our life’s troubles.
Then comes a gentle invitation. The leader of the synagogue sends a word: “Brethren, if any of you have a word of exhortation for the people, speak!”
What would I say if someone invited me like that today? Am I prepared to offer a word of wisdom? Every lesson in life—big or small, from a bus ride to a life-altering decision—can be shared when the time is right. But here’s the key: never offer advice unless asked. No matter how wise it may seem!
A friend recently posted on WhatsApp: “Body aches. Cough. Sneezing.”
Within minutes, he received dozens of remedies.
That’s how our minds work—especially men’s minds: we instinctively jump to “fix-it” mode. But sometimes, all that’s needed is time and space.
Now consider Paul’s response to the invitation. He doesn’t hesitate. He rises, and delivers an elegant message—clearly prepared, spiritually deep, and culturally sensitive. A Hebrew-speaking Jew, addressing Greek-speaking Gentiles, with courage and clarity—what conviction and readiness!
In today’s Gospel (John 13:16–20), Jesus reminds us with gravity: “A servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.” Jesus teaches humility through His own example.
Today’s Lessons in Discipleship
Know your place – Paul didn’t assert dominance. He sat among the people.
Wait for your moment – Paul waited for an invitation before speaking.
Be always ready – When the invitation came, Paul stood and spoke.
Speak with humility – As Jesus said, servants are not above their masters.
Live with quiet courage – The boldness to act must be grounded in wisdom and grace.
Let us learn to sit among the people. Wait patiently. Speak wisely. Above all, like Jesus and Paul, let us lead not from above—but from among.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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