Daily Catholic Lectio
Sun, 18 May ‘25
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Acts 14:21b-27; Revelation 21:1-5a; John 13:31-33a, 34-35
Bringing it to fulfilment!
“The end of a thing is better than its beginning,” says the preacher (Ecclesiastes 7:8). There’s an English expression called the “Catch-22 situation.” I interpret it this way: a few weeks ago, I heard a homily during the first thanksgiving Mass of a newly ordained priest. The preacher structured his message like seasoned advice to the new priest:
“Dear newly ordained priest, congratulations! New cassock, new alb, new chalice, new breviary, new watch, and new shoes – you’re glowing! Wherever you go today, they’ll wrap you in shawls! They’ll kiss your hands. They’ll embrace you. They’ll fill your hands with gifts. You’ll be seated in the front row. People will ask what you need and serve you. But – all this will last for just 21 days. The 22nd day will come. You will become ‘old news.’ That day, your real priestly life begins. You’ll wonder, ‘Is this what life really is?’ For 25 years, no one might come near you. The same crowd will show up for your silver jubilee, singing your praises. Then, they’ll disappear again. If time permits, you’ll celebrate your golden jubilee. What matters is not how you start your ministry – but what decision you take on the 22nd day and how you finish your journey.”
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This is not only true for priesthood. Married life has its “Catch-22” moment. That 22nd day is when the initial attraction between husband and wife begins to wane. Whoever overcomes that 22nd day is the true victor. And whoever keeps the best wine till the end is the greatest of all.
Not only big vocations like priesthood or marriage, but even simple undertakings like studies, journeys, or new jobs – we often fail to bring them to completion. The true value of any endeavour is seen only in its completion.
Some things reach fulfilment quickly. Others take time. A child in the womb takes 9–10 months to be fully formed. A burst pipe at home needs a plumber – the issue is fixed in minutes. Fever hits – the doctor gives an injection or a tablet, and the fever subsides. But a teacher’s fulfilment is only seen 10 months later when students sit their exams.
And not every fulfilment brings the same feeling. A prisoner feels joy at completing his sentence. But we grieve when a loved one’s time with us comes to an end. Yet everything that begins must end – this is life’s basic rule.
God’s saving action is one of fulfilment, as today’s liturgy clearly shows. Just as God completes what He begins, we too are called to bring our work to fulfilment.
How?
1. First Reading (Acts 14:21b-27): Paul and Barnabas Fulfil Their First Missionary Journey
Luke records how Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch, where they began (Acts 13:1-3). They retrace their steps – from Pisidian Antioch to Iconium to Lystra and back. Despite facing rejection and danger, they revisit each place, strengthening and encouraging the new believers. Their key message? “It is through many tribulations that we must enter the Kingdom of God.” No false comfort – just plain truth.
They also appoint leaders in every community, ensuring continuity. When they return to Antioch, they testify: “God has accomplished all this through us.” They saw God’s fingerprints in every fulfilment.
Their missionary success opened the door for the Gospel to spread among the Gentiles. Despite rejection and danger, they persevered. Their ending became a new beginning.
2. Second Reading (Revelation 21:1-5a): The Fulfilment of God’s Plan
John sees the final revelation: a “new heaven and new earth,” where “the sea was no more” – symbolising the defeat of evil. The “New Jerusalem” descends like a bride – signifying divine-human union. God dwells among His people. There is no more death, sorrow, or tears. God has wiped away every tear.
This vision was given to a suffering Church, persecuted and exiled. It reassures them: God is with you. The current suffering is not the end. The end will come – and it will be glorious.
We too experience our “Catch-22” moments – confusion, helplessness, fear. But God walks with us through them. We must look beyond this present time, toward the fulfilment He promises.
3. Gospel (John 13:31-33a, 34-35): Jesus Fulfils His Mission of Love
At the Last Supper, after Judas departs, Jesus proclaims, “Now the Son of Man is glorified.” In John’s Gospel, “glorified” refers to Jesus’ passion, death, resurrection, and ascension. His suffering is not failure – it is the fulfilment of the Father’s will.
And He gives His disciples a “new commandment”: “Love one another as I have loved you.” This love is the sign of true discipleship.
Jesus crosses His own “Catch-22” through suffering and completes His mission. His disciples must continue this mission – daily – by loving.
What Must We Learn Today to Bring Our Work to Fulfilment?
1. Encouragement
We must learn to encourage ourselves and others. Many things in life remain unfinished due to lack of encouragement. Let’s be people who say, “Come, I’ll go with you,” rather than “It’s not possible.”
2. Begin with the End in Mind
Stephen Covey wisely said, “Begin with the end in mind.” Imagine what you want to be said at your funeral – and start living backward from there. Whether it’s learning languages, building relationships, or serving with excellence – live today with tomorrow’s legacy in mind.
3. Let All Know
Fulfilment must bless not only us but our community. Our works must inspire others. Jesus says: “By this, everyone will know you are My disciples – if you love one another.” Let that love be visible.
In conclusion:
Everything we begin must reach fulfilment. Responsibility for that fulfilment lies with the one who begins. During ordination, the bishop prays: “He who has begun this good work in you will bring it to completion on the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil 1:6).
Let us begin. And with God’s help, let us bring all things to beautiful fulfilment.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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