Daily Catholic Lectio. Fri, 11 July ‘25. Courage to Stand Firm

Daily Catholic Lectio

Fri, 11 July ‘25

Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time – Friday

Genesis 46:1–7, 28–30. Matthew 10:16–23

Courage to Stand Firm till the End

Today we remember Saint Benedict, the father of Western monasticism, who lived a life of deep prayer, wise discipline, and undying courage. His famous motto, “Ora et Labora” (Pray and Work), is not just a method—it is a path of firm commitment to God, even in hard times.

Today’s readings echo the same spirit: the courage to trust God, even when the road is uncertain, painful, and full of enemies.

1. Joseph and Jacob: Courage Reunited in Faith

In the first reading, we see Joseph revealing himself to his brothers and finally being reunited with his father Jacob in the land of Goshen. It is a moving moment. Jacob says:

“Now I am ready to die, since I have seen your face and know you are still alive.”

These are words filled with emotion—pain, longing, and fulfilment. For years, Jacob lived with sorrow, thinking his son was dead. But it was not sorrow that sustained him—it was his deep trust in God.

God appears to Jacob in a vision before he travels to Egypt and says: “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt… Joseph will close your eyes.”

In that promise, Jacob finds peace. In that encounter, he finds courage.

Just like Jacob, we may carry deep wounds, unanswered questions, or separation from loved ones. But God’s word “Do not be afraid” is enough to carry us forward.

2. Jesus Sends the Apostles Among Wolves

In the Gospel, Jesus sends His disciples with this strong warning:

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.” Not exactly comforting words. But Jesus is honest. He never promises an easy path. Instead, He promises the Holy Spirit’s presence, wisdom in the face of conflict, and grace to endure.

He tells them: You will be rejected. You will be hated. You will be dragged before rulers. You will be driven out of towns. But still, go.

Why? Because the Gospel is worth it. Because the world needs it. Because God is with you.

3. Saint Benedict: A Man of Steady Strength

Saint Benedict lived in the 6th century, during a time of political collapse and spiritual confusion in Europe. He withdrew to seek God in solitude and then began forming communities where men could live with order, prayer, and purpose.

Benedict’s life was not without hardship. He faced opposition, misunderstanding, even attempts to poison him. But he remained steadfast. His courage did not come from power, but from prayer. His strength came from knowing God was near.

He once said: “Let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ, and may He bring us all together to everlasting life.” His Rule of Life—simple, balanced, rooted in God—continues to shape monks and spiritual seekers around the world.

4. What Steals Our Courage?

Jesus’ words today teach us that courage is not the absence of struggle. It is the strength to remain faithful in struggle.

But we can lose our courage when: We feel inferior – thinking we are not enough. We are overwhelmed by fear – afraid of the future, of failure, of rejection. We are burdened by guilt – haunted by the past. Jesus knew His apostles would face all this. That’s why He promises:

“Do not worry about what to say… the Spirit of your Father will speak through you.”

When the Spirit speaks, fear is silenced. When God is near, courage is restored.

5. Courage to the End

Jesus says, “The one who endures to the end will be saved.” Endurance is the sign of true faith. Not popularity. Not success. But perseverance. Saint Benedict endured. Jacob endured. Joseph endured. The apostles endured.

So must we. Even if we are like sheep among wolves, even if we are misunderstood, mocked, or marginalized—God walks with us.

Let the words of today’s psalm be our prayer: “Trust in the Lord and do good… Commit your way to Him… He will act.” (Psalm 37)

Final Thought

Let us ask for the grace to live like Saint Benedict—with quiet strength, faithful prayer, and undying courage. Let us carry the spirit of Jacob, Joseph, and the apostles:

Trusting God’s plan,

Enduring the trials,

And standing firm till the end.

May our courage, even in suffering, become a witness to the world that God is faithful, and His love endures forever.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy