Daily Catholic Lectio
Thu, 2 Oct ‘25
Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time, Thursday
Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels
Nehemiah 8:1–4, 5–6, 7–12; Matthew 18:1–5, 10
The Joy of the Lord
In the first reading, the exiles return home after years in Babylon. The Temple is rebuilt under Zerubbabel and Ezra, and the city walls are restored under Nehemiah. For the first time in many years, the people gather as one community to listen to the Law of the Lord.
When the Word is read aloud, the people begin to weep. Why? Their tears come from two places:
Tears of joy—after so long, their ears finally hear the voice of the Lord again.
Tears of sorrow—for realizing how they had failed to live according to God’s Word.
But Ezra tells them: “Do not weep. Do not grieve. Go, eat rich foods, drink sweet wine, and share with those who have nothing. For the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
This is a beautiful truth: sadness drains our energy, but joy renews our spirit. The people were exhausted by exile, but the joy of hearing God’s Word gave them fresh strength to live.
The Joy of the Lord in the Gospel
In the Gospel, Jesus points to a child and says: “Unless you become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” A child does not rely on riches or power, but on trust and joy. Then Jesus adds: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father.”
Discipleship, then, is not about greatness as the world measures it, but about living in joy, simplicity, and trust. When we live in this way, we share the joy of the Lord, and that joy becomes our strength.
Lessons for Us
(a) Hearing the Word – When we listen to Scripture, do we just hear words, or do we enter into the living presence of Christ who speaks to us?
(b) Sharing joy – Ezra reminds the people that joy is not complete unless it is shared, especially with those who have less. True joy never isolates; it builds communion.
(c) Choosing peace – Jesus teaches that peace rests only on those who desire it. If we want peace in our homes and our world, it begins with the peace in our own hearts.
A Note on the Guardian Angels
Today we also celebrate the feast of the Guardian Angels. From the beginning of life to its end, God sends His angels to watch over us. They are signs that we are never alone.
The psalmist says: “He will command His angels to guard you in all your ways” (Ps 91:11). And the prophet Isaiah says: “When you turn to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice behind you saying: This is the way, walk in it” (Is 30:21). That voice is the whisper of God’s guidance, carried by His angels.
Guardian Angels remind us of two things: (a) God’s closeness – even when we feel alone, His messengers surround us. (b) Our mission – just as angels watch over us, we are called to be like angels for others: protecting, guiding, and encouraging those entrusted to us.
The Word of God today invites us to live not in sadness, fear, or indifference, but in joy. For the joy of the Lord is our strength. Let us welcome that joy, share it generously, and walk with confidence, knowing that God’s angels accompany us always.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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