Daily Catholic Lectio
Tue, 21 Oct ‘25
Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time, Tuesday
Romans 5:12, 15, 17–19, 20–21. Luke 12:35–38
Watchful Heart
Leadership writer Robin Sharma once said, “A servant mindset is the most powerful attitude for growth.” This insight echoes the Gospel’s call to discipleship. Jesus defines leadership not by power, but by service — and the first quality of a true servant is watchfulness.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus urges His disciples to stay awake, to keep their lamps burning, and to be ready for the Master’s return. The image is simple: servants waiting for their Lord late into the night — alert, faithful, and ready. The heart of Christian life lies here: to serve with readiness and to wait with hope.
(a) The servant’s readiness: girded for action
Jesus begins, “Gird your loins.” In ancient times, long robes were tucked up into a belt when people needed to move quickly or work actively. To “gird your loins” meant to be ready for service. For a soldier, readiness is seen in uniform; for a disciple, it is seen in character. A Christian is always in uniform — clothed in faith, hope, and love — no matter the season or situation. Readiness means living every moment as though it matters eternally. It is not about restless activity, but about the alert calm of one who knows that God could call at any moment — and when He does, we must be found faithful.
(b) The servant’s lamp: a radiant witness
Next, Jesus says, “Keep your lamps burning.” A burning lamp is both a sign and a witness. To those outsides, it proclaims, “Someone is awake here.” To the Master returning late, it says, “You are welcome.” Our lamp is our joyful faith. When it shines, others can see Christ in us. A smiling face, a patient word, a gentle act — these are small flames that light up a dark world. Too often our eyes are fixed on glowing screens, but our souls are asleep. The watchful servant’s lamp must burn within — a faith that glows even in silence and service. When our inner light burns steadily, even the night cannot make us afraid.
(c) The servant’s ears: attentive and expectant
Finally, Jesus adds, “Be like those who wait for their master to return from the wedding, ready to open the door as soon as he knocks.” The true servant does not just wait idly — he listens. His ears are tuned to the slightest sound of the Master’s footsteps. This image captures the essence of Christian attentiveness: doing our daily work faithfully, yet with hearts alert for God’s quiet approach. Such waiting is not anxious; it is joyful. And in a surprising twist, Jesus says that when the Master finds His servants awake, He Himself will serve them! The Lord becomes the servant of those who served Him. What a beautiful reversal!
The servant’s lord: grace over sin
In the first reading, St. Paul reminds us that “where sin increased, grace overflowed.” Through Adam, sin entered the world; through Christ, grace reigns. The One who is Lord of all chose to be the Servant of all. On the Cross, Jesus “girded His loins” not with a belt, but with love — and by serving, He conquered. Every time we serve humbly, every time we stay awake to God’s presence, we participate in that same overflowing grace.
The reward of watchfulness
Being a servant of God is not a low position; it is the highest calling. It demands readiness, radiance, and responsiveness. When we stay spiritually awake — girded with readiness, burning with love, and listening with attention — we become living lamps that welcome the Lord into our world. And when He comes, He will not scold us for staying up late; He will seat us at His table and serve us Himself — the eternal reward of the watchful heart.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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