Daily Catholic Lectio
Saturday, 19 July ‘25
Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time – Saturday
Exodus 12:37–42. Matthew 12:14–21
God’s Fulfilment
Today’s readings speak about fulfilment—not just of prophecies, but of God’s plan for our lives. Just as the story of the Israelites changed from slavery to freedom, and just as the life of Jesus fulfilled ancient promises, we too are invited to live out a story that God desires to complete in and through us.
Let us reflect on this theme: “It was fulfilled.”
1. Every Life Has a Story
In transactional analysis, there’s an exercise called “life story writing”—where people reflect on what was said about them when they were born. Was there a dream? A hope? A blessing?
In many cultures, especially in ours, we hear people say: “This child will do something great.” “He is born for a special purpose.” Sometimes, it’s written in horoscopes or said in family stories.
But beyond all this, some people choose their life story. Like Fr. Stan Swamy, a Jesuit priest who dedicated his life to the poor, especially tribal communities. He wrote his life mission clearly—with his actions. And even when it cost him his life, he fulfilled that mission.
2. Jesus Fulfils the Story of the Suffering Servant
In today’s Gospel, St. Matthew sees the life of Jesus as a fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy: “Here is my servant… He will proclaim justice to the nations… A bruised reed he will not break… in his name the nations will hope.” (Matthew 12:18-21)
Jesus didn’t just live by chance. He lived a story that had been foretold. His compassion, gentleness, and courage were all part of God’s plan, written centuries earlier. And Matthew looks at Jesus and says: “This is the one. This is the fulfilment.”
3. God Rewrites Our Story Too
In the first reading (Exodus 12:37–42), the Israelites are finally leaving Egypt. After centuries of slavery, they walk out as free people, because God watched over them, kept vigil with them, and changed the direction of their story.
God rewrote their life—from oppression to promise, from night to dawn. And He does the same for us. You may have started in pain, but that’s not how your story has to end. You may have been told negative things about your life—but God’s voice is greater than any human judgment.
God says: “I have seen your tears. I have heard your cry. I have come down to deliver you.”
And “I will fulfil My promise in you.”
4. What Story Are You Living Today?
Each of us can ask: What story am I living right now? Who am I becoming through the choices I make? Am I fulfilling God’s dream for me, or just going through the motions?
Jesus, Moses, the people of Israel—they all walked paths that had meaning and direction. They cooperated with God’s plan and made it real in history. And the best part? God does not force the story. He invites us to be co-authors.
5. Becoming Part of the Fulfilment
Today, ask yourself: “Lord, how can I fulfil the purpose You created me for?” Let’s not just drift through life. Let’s live a story worth fulfilling.
Let your kindness be part of God’s story. Let your faithfulness in small things fulfil His plan.
Let your struggles be turned into strength, like the Exodus. And when someone looks at our life, let them say: “Here is someone who lived with purpose. Through their life, God’s promise was fulfilled.”
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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