Daily Catholic Lectio. Fri, 12 September ’25. Mercy and Mission

Daily Catholic Lectio

Fri, 12 September ‘25

Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time, Friday

The Holy Name of Mary – Memoria

1 Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14. Luke 6:39-42

Mercy and Mission

1. Grace That Transforms Our Past

Scripture: Paul recalls his past as a blasphemer and persecutor, yet he declares: “I received mercy…and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me” (1 Tim 1:13–14). His unworthiness became a stage for God’s mercy.

Church’s Teaching: The Catechism (CCC 1425) teaches that conversion is a continual turning of the heart, even for those who have already received baptism.

Reflection: No sin is too great for God’s mercy. Like Paul, our darkest past can become a testimony of grace if we surrender it to Christ.

Pastoral Application: Do I live in guilt, or do I trust God’s grace to make me new? True discipleship begins with gratitude for mercy received.

2. Seeing Clearly Before Leading Others

Scripture: Jesus warns: “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?” (Lk 6:39). He urges His disciples to remove the plank from their own eyes before judging others (vv. 41–42).

Church’s Teaching: The Catechism (CCC 1783) teaches that conscience must be well-formed, for we cannot guide others rightly if we ourselves are blind.

Reflection: Leadership in faith is not about authority but about clear vision rooted in humility. We cannot correct others unless we first allow God to purify our own hearts.

Pastoral Application: Before pointing out faults in others, do I ask the Spirit to open my eyes to my own weaknesses? Honest self-examination leads to compassionate correction.

3. Discipleship with Humility and Clarity

Scripture: Jesus emphasizes that a disciple is not above the teacher but fully trained when he is like the teacher (Lk 6:40). To follow Christ is to reflect His humility and truth.

Church’s Teaching: Vatican II (Lumen Gentium 8) calls the Church holy yet always in need of purification.

Reflection: True discipleship is humble imitation, not superiority. To guide others to Christ, we must first be grounded in Him.

Pastoral Application: My mission is not to dominate or judge, but to reflect Christ’s mercy, leading others gently as I too walk the path of conversion.

Note on the Holy Name of Mary

Today we also honour the Holy Name of Mary. Like her Son’s name, it is a name of sweetness, protection, and hope. Saints have said that calling upon her name brings comfort in trials and strength against temptation. Mary shows us the humility Paul lived and the clarity of vision Christ taught—she is both disciple and mother, guiding us toward her Son with gentleness. Let us invoke her holy name with trust: “Mary, lead us to Jesus.”

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy