Daily Catholic Lectio
Thu, 10 July ‘25
Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time – Thursday
Genesis 44:18–21, 23–29. 45:1–5. Matthew 10:7–15
Everything Is a Gift – So Live as a Giver
Today, the Word of God teaches us a powerful truth: Life is not something to be earned or owned. It is a gift. And gifts are meant to be shared.
Let us begin with the story of Joseph.
1. Joseph’s Faithful Perspective
Joseph had every reason to be bitter. Sold by his own brothers, taken to a foreign land, falsely accused, imprisoned, and forgotten. And yet, when he meets his brothers again—now as the governor of Egypt—he doesn’t speak a word of revenge.
Instead, he says, “I am Joseph… the one you sold. But do not be distressed, for God sent me ahead of you to preserve life.”
This is the beauty of faith-filled vision. Joseph does not see himself as a victim. He sees God’s hand even in his suffering. He does not say, “I was sold.” He says, “I was sent.”
That one word makes all the difference.
When we look at our pain through the eyes of faith, we begin to see purpose. Joseph sees his position, not as a reward, but as a gift from God. And because he sees it as a gift, he gives—he forgives, provides food, and embraces his brothers with love.
2. Jesus Sends the Apostles to Give Freely
In the Gospel, Jesus sends out the twelve apostles. But before sending them, He gives them authority to heal the sick, cast out demons, and proclaim the Kingdom.
Then, He gives them a simple instruction: “Freely you have received; freely give.”
Jesus reminds His apostles that their mission is not theirs—it’s a gift. The power to heal, the authority to preach, the joy of the Gospel—all are gifts.
And what is the right way to handle a gift? Not to hold it tightly, but to share it generously.
3. The Difference Between Free and Gift
Jesus doesn’t say, “Give it for free.” He says, “Give it as a gift.”
That’s important. Giving something for free may still have hidden expectations. A gift, however, is different. A true gift: comes from love, not from business; comes without conditions; comes without calculation.
A gift is not earned. A gift is never forced. A gift is always given from the heart.
4. Living with a Giver’s Heart
We live in a world obsessed with having more—more money, more praise, more friends. The one who takes the most is seen as the most successful.
But Jesus flips this idea. He says, “The greatest among you is the one who gives the most.”
Only someone who sees life as a gift can truly live generously:
If you see your time as a gift, you will share it joyfully.
If you see your talents as a gift, you will use them to bless others.
If you see your ministry as a gift, you will serve without expecting reward.
5. From Taking to Giving
We often live in two modes: (a) Taking – What can I get from this? (b) Giving – What can I offer to this?
Jesus is calling His apostles—and all of us—to move from taking to giving.
If you’re always trying to take more, you will never be satisfied. But if you give from what you have, even the little becomes abundant.
6. Joseph: A Living Example
Joseph could have taken revenge. He had power. But he saw all that he had—not as something he achieved—but as a gift from God. That’s why he could forgive.
When Potiphar’s wife tried to tempt him, he didn’t say, “Will I get caught?” He said, “How can I do such a wicked thing against God?” Even when no one was watching, Joseph lived in the presence of the Giver.
Joseph did not live with a victim’s heart. He lived with a giver’s heart.
Final Reflection
Let us ask ourselves: Do I see my life as a gift? Do I give freely from what I’ve received? Do I believe that even my struggles can be part of God’s plan?
The one who sees everything as a gift from God will: find joy even in little, forgive without bitterness, and serve without pride.
Let us live with the eyes of Joseph and the heart of Christ.
Because everything we have is a gift… let us give it away with love.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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