Daily Catholic Lectio
Tue, 2 September ‘25
Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time, Tuesday
1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11. Luke 4:31-37
Children of the Light, Servants of the Word
1. Living as Children of the Day
Scripture: Paul reminds the Thessalonians that the “Day of the Lord” will come like a thief in the night (1 Thess 5:2). But he reassures them: “You are all children of the light and children of the day” (v. 5).
Church’s Teaching: The Catechism (CCC 672) teaches that while the exact time of the Lord’s return is hidden, Christians must live in constant readiness.
Pastoral Application: As children of the light, we are called to live in truth, integrity, and vigilance. Christian readiness is not fear but a steady life of faith, hope, and love. Do I live each day as if it might be the Lord’s day?
2. God Destines Us for Salvation, Not Wrath
Scripture: Paul assures us: “God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess 5:9). This promise is the anchor of Christian hope.
Church’s Teaching: Vatican II (Gaudium et Spes 22) affirms that Christ’s saving work touches every human life, offering hope and redemption.
Pastoral Application: Fear of punishment does not sustain discipleship—hope of salvation does. Even in trials, we are invited to encourage and build each other up, reminding one another of God’s saving plan.
3. The Authority of the Word in Action
Scripture: In Capernaum, Jesus teaches with authority, and even unclean spirits obey Him (Lk 4:32–35). The crowd marvels, saying, “What is this word? For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” (v. 36).
Church’s Teaching: Dei Verbum (no. 21) teaches that the Word of God has divine power to nourish, judge, and strengthen the faithful.
Pastoral Application: Jesus’ Word still has authority to heal and liberate. We must allow His Word to enter our hearts and drive out what is unclean—fear, pride, resentment—so that we can be true witnesses of His light.
Conclusion
Paul calls us to live as children of the light, awake and ready for the Lord’s coming. He reassures us that God destines us for salvation, not wrath. In the Gospel, Jesus demonstrates the authority of His Word to liberate and heal. To live in the light is to place our hope in Christ and allow His Word to transform us daily.
In sum, Paul reminds us that we are children of the light, called to live in watchfulness and integrity. God has destined us not for wrath but for salvation through Christ, our hope and strength. We are to encourage and build one another up in faith, hope, and love. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches with authority, and His Word casts out unclean spirits. When we welcome His Word, it frees us from fear and darkness, making us true witnesses of the light.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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