Daily Catholic Lectio
Tuesday, 15 July ‘25
Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time – Tuesday
Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, Memorial
Exodus 2:1–15. Matthew 11:20–24
Hesitation of a Leader
Today’s Word of God presents a deep spiritual truth: even great leaders go through moments of hesitation. Even those called by God struggle to find the right time and the right way to act. The leaders who hesitate, are led on a journey from impulse to discernment.
Both Moses in the first reading and Jesus in the Gospel show us that leadership is not about control or immediate success—it is about obedience, humility, and a patient heart. Let us reflect together.
1. Moses: A Leader in Hiding
Moses, whose name means “drawn out of the water,” is rescued from the Nile and raised in Pharaoh’s household. Ironically, the child who was supposed to die becomes the very one through whom God will deliver His people. His name is prophetic—one day he will “draw out” the Israelites through the Red Sea.
As a young man, Moses witnesses injustice: an Egyptian beating a Hebrew. He acts out of anger and impulse, kills the Egyptian, and tries to hide it. Soon, the news spreads. Pharaoh seeks to kill him. Moses runs away to Midian.
Even though Moses had a sense of justice, he wasn’t ready yet. He acted before being sent, and so he failed. His time in the desert becomes a time of transformation—a space for his pride and impulsiveness to be reshaped by God. Sometimes, we too try to act before we are prepared. Or we speak before we are sent. Like Moses, we need a season in the “desert”—a time to listen, to grow, to wait for God’s timing.
2. Jesus: The Hesitation That Warns
In the Gospel (Matthew 11:20–24), Jesus laments over the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. He had performed many miracles there—healed the sick, cast out demons, preached the Good News—but the people did not change their hearts.
Jesus says: “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!” It shocks us to hear Jesus speak like this. Isn’t He the one who teaches love for enemies? Yes. But this “woe” is not a curse—it is a cry of sorrow. It is the pain of a leader whose message has been rejected. Jesus is not condemning the people. He is warning them. He is saying: “You have seen so much grace. Why has it not moved you?”
3. Why did the People Not Change?
Jesus’ generation saw signs and wonders. But still, many did not accept Him. Why? Two reasons: It didn’t touch them personally. If the miracle didn’t benefit them directly, they ignored it. They were self-satisfied. They felt they needed nothing more. This is the danger of spiritual complacency.
When we believe “I’m fine the way I am,” even God’s presence can become a burden instead of a blessing.
4. Hesitation is Human – But it Can Lead to Growth
Moses hesitated. Jesus, too, experienced the sorrow of hesitation—not because of His own weakness, but because of how people responded to His mission. Leaders, whether in families, parishes, or communities, will face this often:
You speak truth—but it’s ignored. You act with love—but it’s rejected. In those moments, like Jesus, we may feel sorrow or frustration. Like Moses, we may want to run away. And sometimes, waiting in silence is better than rushing to act.
5. Let God’s Timing Lead You
The story of Moses reminds us that being a leader doesn’t mean being perfect. It means being available when God calls. It also means accepting seasons of silence, waiting, and self-reflection.
Jesus teaches us that truth must be spoken, even when it is rejected. The cry of “woe” is not anger—it is a final attempt to awaken hearts.
Final Reflection: When Leaders Hesitate
Whether you are a leader in your family, your ministry, or your community: You will face moments of hesitation. Your words may be ignored. Your actions may go unrecognized.
But do not give up. Let those moments become times of prayer. Let your sorrow lead to deeper surrender, not to despair.
And always remember: Moses had to wait 40 years before he was ready. Jesus, even in rejection, kept walking toward the Cross—for us.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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