Daily Catholic Lectio
Wed, 13 August ‘25
Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time, Wednesday
Deuteronomy 34:1-12. Matthew 18:15-20
Face to Face with the Lord
Today’s first reading brings us to the final chapter of Deuteronomy — the end of Moses’ earthly journey. He is allowed to see the Promised Land from Mount Nebo, but not to enter it. The Lord Himself buries him.
Yet in the light of the New Testament, Moses does set foot in the Promised Land — on the Mount of Transfiguration, when he appears with Elijah and speaks with Jesus. In Christian reading, his mission finds its fulfilment in Christ.
The passage recalls three aspects: Moses’ death, Moses’ greatness, and Moses’ succession.
(a) Moses’ death was deeply painful for Israel. He had been their shepherd — guiding, correcting, and interceding for them like a father and mother. Now, that familiar presence is gone.
(b) Moses’ greatness is summed up in the words: “His eyes were undimmed, and his vigor unabated.” Why? Because he saw through God’s eyes and carried the people with God’s strength. Above all, Moses knew the rare grace of speaking with the Lord face to face.
(c) Moses’ succession passes to Joshua, the younger man he has been preparing. Up to now, leadership had been prophetic (Moses). Next, it would take on more administrative and military dimensions (Joshua). In Israel, three forms of leadership emerge — prophet (Moses), priest (Aaron), and king (Joshua) — which Christians later recognise as the threefold office of Christ.
In the Gospel, we hear part of Matthew’s “community discourse.” Here, the word Church (Ekklesia) appears — one of the few times in the Gospels. The passage stresses that no member of the community should be lost. Disagreements and conflicts will arise, but Jesus teaches that they must be resolved within the community itself, starting with personal dialogue.
The principle is simple: where relationships are in harmony, the presence of God is real. “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst.”
Life Lessons from the Readings:
(a) Leadership has an end. No matter how great a leader is, there comes a time to step aside. Moses models this with grace, preparing Joshua so that the journey of God’s people continues without interruption. This is the humility of true leadership.
(b) Conflict should be addressed directly. Jesus’ counsel — “Go and tell him his fault between you and him alone” — is not just good spirituality; it is sound relationship management. We are often quicker to talk about someone than to them. But love confronts with care, not gossip.
(c) God’s presence is found in unity. When hearts are reconciled and voices pray together, heaven draws near.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me the humility of Moses — to see through Your eyes, to serve with Your strength, and to prepare others to continue the mission. Give me the courage to address wrongs with love, and the grace to seek unity, so that Your presence may be among us always. Amen.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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