Daily Catholic Lectio. Mon, 28 July ‘25. Hidden Power

Daily Catholic Lectio

Mon, 28 July ‘25

Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time – Monday

Saint Alphonsa, Feast

Exodus 32:15–24, 30–34. Matthew 13:31–35

Hidden Power

Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the hidden power of God, a power that works silently but transforms everything, just like a mustard seed or leaven. Along with this, we also celebrate the feast of Saint Alphonsa, who, through her silent suffering and deep prayer, became a living sign of God’s hidden grace.

The Sin of Forgetfulness

In the first reading (Exodus 32), Moses comes down from Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments given by the Lord. But what does he find? The people of Israel, under Aaron’s leadership, have made a golden calf and are worshipping it.

Why did they fall into this grave sin?

First, they could not bear Moses’ absence. They wanted a god they could see and touch. Second, they forgot the mighty works God had done in Egypt — the plagues, the crossing of the Red Sea, the manna in the desert. Third, they tried to replace the invisible God with an image of their own creation.

We, too, can forget God’s presence when life becomes uncertain. When we do not see quick results or answers, we are tempted to create our own “golden calves” — money, success, or fame — to fill the emptiness.

The Hidden Power of the Kingdom

In today’s Gospel (Matthew 13:31–35), Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of God using two simple images: the mustard seed and the leaven (yeast).

The mustard seed is the smallest of seeds, yet it grows into a great tree where birds can build their nests. The leaven is mixed into flour and, though unseen, it works silently until all the dough is transformed.

These images tell us something powerful: the Kingdom of God often begins in small, hidden ways. It is not about loud displays or immediate results, but about slow, quiet, and lasting transformation. The power of God is not always visible, but it is always present and active.

The Israelites forgot this truth. They did not recognize that God’s presence — though unseen — was guiding them, like leaven working through the dough. And sometimes, we also fail to notice how God’s hidden power is shaping our lives.

Saint Alphonsa – A Witness of Hidden Grace

Today, we celebrate Saint Alphonsa, India’s first woman saint, known for her deep humility, prayer, and silent suffering. Though she led a hidden life as a nun in Kerala, her faith became like a mustard seed — small, but powerful enough to inspire millions today.

She bore her pains with joy, offering them to Christ, and showed us that holiness does not come through big achievements but through quiet surrender to God’s will. Like the leaven in today’s Gospel, her hidden sacrifices transformed the hearts of those around her.

Saint Alphonsa teaches us that even when we feel weak, sick, or unnoticed, God’s power works through us. Her life reminds us that hidden grace is stronger than any visible glory.

Our Call

Today’s readings and the example of Saint Alphonsa challenge us to ask: Do I trust in God’s hidden power even when I do not see immediate results? Am I faithful in small acts of love and prayer, like the mustard seed and the leaven? Do I look for God in silence and hidden moments, rather than in spectacular signs?

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy