Daily Catholic Lectio
Sat, 9 Aug ‘25
Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time, Saturday
Deuteronomy 6:4-13. Matthew 17:14-20
Love and Faith
In the first reading, through Moses, the Lord God gives the greatest commandment: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” This means that in our thoughts, emotions, and actions, God alone must reign. If we pause and reflect honestly, we may find that almost everything else—except God—occupies our mind, feelings, and activities. That is why the Lord teaches us to set life’s priorities right. He also warns us of the dangers that make us forget Him—comfort, self-sufficiency, and pride, all of which can quietly push God out of our awareness.
In the Gospel reading, Jesus heals a young boy suffering from epilepsy and then speaks to His disciples about the power and necessity of faith. His words are striking: “Nothing will be impossible for you.” Often, it is not our lack of ability but our lack of faith that ties our hands and feet. The thought “Can I really do this?” weakens us before we even begin.
In the first reading, we find three key commandments: Listen, Love, and Remember. In the Gospel, Jesus gives one more: Believe.
When I fully believe in the Lord my God, I can fully love Him in that faith, and that love will give me the confidence I need. Then, truly, all things become possible.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
Leave a comment