Daily Catholic Lectio. Tue, 26 Aug ’25. Faith that is Gentle, Pure, and Whole

Daily Catholic Lectio

Tue, 26 August ‘25

Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time, Tuesday

1 Thessalonians 2:1-8. Matthew 23:23-26

Faith that is Gentle, Pure, and Whole

1. Ministry with Courage and Purity of Intention

Scripture: Paul recalls that his preaching was not with deceit, flattery, or greed but as one entrusted by God to speak the Gospel (1 Thess 2:3–4). Even in suffering, he proclaimed Christ with courage, seeking God’s approval rather than human praise.

Church’s Teaching: Presbyterorum Ordinis (no. 12) emphasizes that ministers must preach not themselves but Christ, with sincerity of heart.

Pastoral Application: Our Christian witness should not be motivated by personal gain, recognition, or manipulation. Whether we are priests, parents, teachers, or friends, the Gospel is best shared through integrity and courage, even when it costs us.

2. A Gentle and Nurturing Faith

Scripture: Paul describes himself and his companions as being “gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children” (1 Thess 2:7). The Gospel was not only spoken but embodied in tender love.

Church’s Teaching: Pope Francis in Evangelii Gaudium (no. 24) reminds us that evangelization must always begin with closeness, compassion, and warmth.

Pastoral Application: In a harsh and competitive world, faith becomes credible when it is expressed with gentleness—patience with family, compassion for the poor, encouragement for the weak. People may forget our sermons but will never forget how we made them feel loved.

3. Inner Purity vs. Outer Appearance

Scripture: Jesus rebukes the Pharisees: they tithe mint and herbs but neglect justice, mercy, and faith (Matt 23:23). They clean the outside of the cup but inside it is full of greed and self-indulgence (v. 25). True religion is inside-out, not outside-in.

Church’s Teaching: The Catechism (CCC 2517) teaches that purity of heart is the precondition for seeing God. Without inner truth, external rituals are hollow.

Pastoral Application: We too can become busy with external duties—devotions, rituals, public roles—yet neglect mercy, honesty, and justice. Christ calls us to first cleanse the heart, so that our outward acts flow from genuine love.

Conclusion

Paul shows us the courage of pure intention, the gentleness of nurturing love, and the giving of self for others. Jesus reminds us that true religion is not external show but interior truth. Today, the Word calls us to embody a faith that is courageous, gentle, and pure—so that what we preach with our lips is confirmed by what we live in our hearts.

In sum, Saint Paul reminds us that the Gospel must be shared with courage and pure intention, not for personal gain. He describes his ministry as gentle, like a mother caring for her children, showing the work of faith, labour of love, and steadfastness of hope. Jesus warns against external religion that neglects justice, mercy, and faith. True discipleship begins with purity of heart, so that our outward actions flow from love and integrity.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy