Daily Catholic Lectio. Thu, 29 May ’25. The Obstacle is the Way

Daily Catholic Lectio

Thu, 29 May ‘25

Sixth Week of Easter – Thursday

Acts 18:1–8. John 16:16–20

The Obstacle is the Way

Last week, I read a book titled The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday. The author draws on Stoic philosophy to propose a counter-intuitive but powerful principle: what stands in the way becomes the way. He outlines three key strategies for converting obstacles into pathways: Perception, Action, and Will.

(a) Perception

When we face a problem and choose to reframe it—viewing it within a broader context or from a different angle—we gain a new vision. For instance, during the pandemic, when people couldn’t meet physically, we discovered new ways of connecting, such as video conferencing. The obstacle of distance became a new path for presence.

(b) Action

Instead of remaining stuck in overthinking, taking the next right step—however small—begins to transform the challenge. Action has a way of disarming fear and confusion.

(c) Will

Strong desire reshapes the mind. When our inner resolve is clear, the mind aligns. A steadfast will can harness the brain’s potential, even under pressure.

In today’s first reading, we meet two examples of people who turn their obstacles into pathways:

Aquila and Priscilla, a married couple, are expelled from Italy. But instead of despairing, they move to Corinth and build a new life, opening their home to Paul and becoming co-workers in his mission.

Silas and Timothy, returning from Macedonia, are faced with opposition. Yet, rather than retreating, they embrace the hardship and identify new opportunities for hidden ministry. What seems like resistance becomes a channel of grace.

In the Gospel, Jesus offers no false comfort to his disciples. He does not say: “You won’t suffer.” Instead, He says, “You will weep and mourn while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy” (Jn 16:20).

Suffering is not denied—but it is destined for transformation.

Jesus invites His disciples to look beyond appearances, take action in the Spirit, and ground themselves in resilient hope. Grief will not be the end. Joy awaits on the other side.

What does this mean for us?

Our hardships—exile, opposition, misunderstanding, loss—need not paralyze us.

If we perceive them rightly, act with faith, and will with love, every obstacle can become the very path God lays before us.

This is not merely Stoic wisdom. It is Gospel truth.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy