Daily Catholic Lectio
Thu, 18 September ‘25
Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time, Thursday
1 Timothy 4:12-16. Luke 7:36-50
Grace That Frees Us to Live with Courage
1. Do Not Fear the Labels of Others
Scripture: The woman enters the Pharisee’s house with courage, ignoring whispers and judgmental looks, to anoint Jesus’ feet (Lk 7:37–38). Paul too exhorts Timothy: “Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example” (1 Tim 4:12).
Reflection: The world will always find labels—too young, too sinful, too unworthy. But God looks deeper, at the heart.
Pastoral Application: As leaders or disciples, we must not let others’ labels define us; only Christ’s gaze of love should. Do I live by people’s judgment or God’s mercy?
2. Forgive Yourself and Welcome Christ’s Mercy
Scripture: Jesus declares: “Her many sins are forgiven because she has shown great love” (Lk 7:47). She is freed, not by denial of sin, but by surrender to mercy.
Reflection: Sometimes the hardest forgiveness to accept is our own. Holding onto guilt can paralyze us. The woman shows us that when Christ forgives, we must also forgive ourselves.
Pastoral Application: Do I continue to punish myself for sins Christ has already forgiven? True discipleship means walking forward in the freedom of His mercy.
3. Set Priorities Right: Love Above All
Scripture: The Pharisee judged by appearances; the woman prioritized loving Jesus above her shame. Paul urges Timothy to “attend to reading, exhortation, teaching” (1 Tim 4:13), keeping the main thing at the center.
Reflection: Our priorities reveal our hearts. The woman chose Jesus above social approval. Discipleship means putting Christ above wealth, reputation, or fear.
Pastoral Application: What truly holds first place in my life—Christ or the world’s demands? Am I willing to reorder my life around Him daily?
Conclusion
The sinful woman in Luke’s Gospel teaches three bold lessons: do not let others’ labels silence you, forgive yourself as Christ forgives you, and set your priorities on loving Him above all. Paul’s words to Timothy echo the same: be an example, hold fast to your mission, and let your progress be seen by all. When we live this way, we too will hear Christ’s liberating words: “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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