Daily Catholic Lectio
Thu, 28 August ‘25
Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time, Thursday
Saint Augustine – Memorial
1 Thessalonians 3:7-13. Matthew 24:42-51
Living in Readiness, Rooted in Love
1. Encouraged by Each Other’s Faith
Scripture: Paul tells the Thessalonians, “We have been encouraged about you through your faith” (1 Thess 3:7). Their perseverance in trials gave him strength.
Church’s Teaching: Lumen Gentium (no. 12) teaches that the whole People of God strengthen one another by faith, hope, and charity.
Pastoral Application: Our faith is not just personal—it uplifts others. When we stand firm in trials, we become a source of hope for family, friends, and parish. Who draws encouragement from my way of living the faith?
2. Growing in Love and Holiness
Scripture: Paul prays, “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, so that He may strengthen your hearts in holiness” (1 Thess 3:12–13).
Church’s Teaching: The Catechism (CCC 1812–1813) teaches that faith, hope, and love are infused by God to orient our lives toward Him. Among them, love is the greatest.
Pastoral Application: Holiness is not escape from daily life but love lived deeply—in patience, forgiveness, and compassion. True readiness for the Lord’s coming is a heart overflowing with love.
3. Watchfulness in Daily Life
Scripture: Jesus warns: “Stay awake, for you do not know on which day your Lord will come” (Matt 24:42). The faithful servant is ready at every moment, not abusing responsibility or delaying conversion.
Church’s Teaching: Gaudium et Spes (no. 39) reminds us that while we await the Lord’s coming, we build His Kingdom through faithful daily work.
Pastoral Application: Readiness is not fear but faithful living—honesty in small duties, kindness in relationships, diligence in work. Christ may come at any hour: will He find us awake in love or asleep in complacency?
A Note on Saint Augustine (354–430)
Today we remember Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. Once restless and far from God, he was converted through the patient prayers of his mother Monica and the grace of Christ. His words still inspire us: “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” Augustine reminds us that readiness for Christ means an ever-deepening love of God, expressed in holiness of life and service to the Church.
In sum, Paul encourages the Thessalonians that their steadfast faith gives strength and joy to others. He prays that they may grow in love and holiness as they await the Lord’s coming.
Jesus calls us to stay awake and be faithful servants, ready at every moment. Saint Augustine shows us that true rest and readiness are found only in God’s love. Our daily watchfulness must be lived through faith, love, and holiness of life.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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