Daily Catholic Lectio. Wed, 21 May ‘25. Handling a Problem

Daily Catholic Lectio

Wed, 21 May ‘25

Fifth Week of Easter – Wednesday

Acts 15:1–6. John 15:1–8

Handling a Problem

A problem is like curds: it must be handled immediately. If left unattended, it will only grow sourer.

Some people handle problems this way.

Time is the solution to every problem. If we allow it to cool, change will happen.

Others approach problems like this.

In today’s First Reading, the early Christian community faces a real problem. Some new converts from among the Gentiles are told that they must undergo circumcision, just like the Jews. In essence, the idea is that one must first become a Jew to become a Christian.

This gives rise to a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas and those promoting this idea. Paul and Barnabas do not agree. They are broad-minded and inclusive. To them, the cutting of a physical part of the body is not essential to the spiritual life.

Their attitude is liberating: “What’s the big deal?” they seem to say.

This passage reveals Paul and Barnabas as people who truly “think outside the box.” Without their openness, Christianity might have become a mere sect within Judaism, requiring Gentile converts to first adopt all Jewish laws, including circumcision.

There is something else worth noting here. Instead of turning this into a direct argument or a shouting match, Paul and Barnabas seek a fuller solution. They don’t want a superficial fix. Many times, today, we waste time and energy in fruitless debates—especially on social media.

Because confusion persists, they travel to Jerusalem to place the matter before the apostles and elders. They leave aside their missionary work to dedicate time and effort to resolving this problem properly.

This reveals their maturity and humility. They do not assert ownership over the community saying, “We evangelized these people, so we are their rightful leaders.” Instead, they step back from claiming rights and focus on responsibilities.

When Paul and Barnabas arrive in Jerusalem, they are warmly welcomed by all the brothers and sisters. In the early Church, what stood out was fraternal communion—no divisions based on language or race.

The problem is immediately presented for discussion.

Importantly, the apostles do not let the burden fall on new believers. They are willing to carry it themselves. They bear the weight so others won’t have to.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives the image of the vine and branches (John 15:1–8). The vine never sees the branch as a burden. On the contrary, it bears the branch and gives it life.

So today, we must ask ourselves:

How do we handle the problems we face? When the problem seems like someone else’s, do we still feel responsible for it? As responsibility increases, do we grow in strength? And as strength grows, do problems become easier to resolve? True discipleship means facing problems—not avoiding them—and bearing burdens so that others can live free.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy