Daily Catholic Lectio. Wed, 9 July ’25. Synergy

Daily Catholic Lectio

Wed, 9 July ‘25

Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time – Wednesday

Genesis 41:55–57; 42:5–7, 17–24. Matthew 10:1–7

Synergy – Recognising Gifts, Multiplying Mission

Today’s Word of God speaks to us about recognition and collaboration—the power that comes when we see each other not as competitors, but as companions in God’s mission. This is what we call synergy—working together to achieve more than we ever could alone.

1. Joseph Sees His Brothers – And Recognizes God’s Plan

In the first reading, Joseph—once sold by his brothers and taken to Egypt—is now the governor of Egypt. He never gave up or played the victim. Instead, he stayed faithful to what was right in the eyes of God.

Even in prison, Joseph remained true. And in time, God lifted him up. Pharaoh recognized the wisdom in this Hebrew prisoner and entrusted him with authority.

When famine strikes, Joseph’s own brothers come to Egypt to buy food. They don’t recognize him—but Joseph recognizes them. And even more, Joseph recognizes God’s hand in everything that has happened. He doesn’t seek revenge. He seeks reunion.

Joseph shows us: God works through pain, separation, and struggle—if we remain faithful and open our hearts.

2. Jesus Recognises and Commissions the Twelve Apostles

In the Gospel, Jesus recognizes the need of the people—harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He knows the mission must grow. So He selects twelve disciples, names them apostles, and gives them authority to cast out demons and proclaim the Good News.

Jesus does two key things: (a) He empowers people: He gives His authority to the twelve. He multiplies His mission by trusting them. (b) He clarifies the mission: He tells them exactly where to go and what to do—go to the lost sheep of Israel and proclaim the Kingdom. This is synergy: Jesus shares His work, and together they go farther.

3. Recognising People, Sharing Mission

To build synergy, we must first recognize the people around us—not just physically, but spiritually: Recognize their talents, needs, pain, and potential. 

Jesus recognized the disciples not just as followers, but as future leaders. Joseph recognized his brothers not as enemies, but as instruments in God’s bigger plan.

When we recognize others with God’s eyes, we build communion, not competition.

4. The Power of Unity

When one hand joins with another, the strength is not just double—it multiplies. That is the mystery of synergy.

In the Church, in families, in ministries—when we see each other as part of the same body, our mission becomes stronger.

But synergy is possible only when: We recognize others as ours, We see that their strength is our strength, We empower them to grow, lead, and serve.

5. God Recognises You

Most importantly, we must remember: even if others forget or reject you, God sees you.

Joseph was forgotten by his brothers—but not by God.

The apostles were ordinary men—but Jesus chose them. You may feel unseen—but God sees you, calls you, and gives you purpose. And when we realize that God sees us, it becomes our sacred duty to see and serve those around us—especially the needy, the lonely, and the broken.

Final Reflection

Recognize the gifts in others and draw them out. Empower others so that the mission of Jesus may reach farther. See God’s hand in every story—even the painful ones.

Let synergy happen: when hearts unite, grace multiplies. Let us be like Joseph—faithful, discerning, and forgiving. Let us be like Jesus—empowering, clear in mission, and compassionate. Together, we go farther. Together, we reveal Christ.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy