Daily Catholic Lectio
Thu, 30 Oct ‘25
Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time, Thursday
Romans 8:31–39. Luke 13:31–35
Love Conquers All
Today’s readings speak of love and courage — a love that never gives up and a courage that does not retreat.
In the Gospel, we see two contrasting scenes. In the first part, some Pharisees come to Jesus and warn Him: “Go away, Herod wants to kill you.” In the second part, Jesus looks at Jerusalem with deep sorrow and laments over its hardness of heart.
Why did the Pharisees bring Herod’s name to Jesus? Were they truly concerned for His safety, or were they trying to distract and confuse Him? Whatever their intention, Jesus responds with calm determination. He is not afraid of Herod or death. Instead, He speaks of His mission with clarity and conviction: “Today and tomorrow I cast out demons and heal the sick, and on the third day I finish my work.”
The “third day” here refers to the day of Resurrection — the victory of life over death. For Jesus, every day is a day of mission. Nothing can stop Him from doing the will of the Father. His love gives Him strength to continue His journey, even toward the Cross.
In the second part, Jesus looks upon Jerusalem — the city that rejects prophets and kills those sent to it. Yet, He does not react with anger. Instead, His heart is moved with compassion: “How often have I longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing.” The image is tender and maternal — a love that longs to protect even those who reject it.
This Gospel offers us three profound lessons for our own life:
(a) Facing Challenges with Faith. When troubles and dangers come, how do we respond? Jesus shows us that fear and panic do not solve anything. When we know who we are and where we are going, no threat can shake our peace. Those who trust in God face trials not with despair, but with confidence.
(b) Clarity of Mission. Like Jesus, we must be clear about our purpose. Every Christian has a mission — to love, to serve, and to bear witness to the truth. When our life has direction, opposition cannot discourage us. Love gives meaning to every effort and endurance to every suffering.
(c) Responding with Compassion, Not Anger. When others misunderstand, oppose, or even harm us, our natural reaction may be anger or resentment. But Jesus teaches us another way — the way of compassion. He looks at His enemies not with hatred, but with mercy. To love those who hurt us is the highest form of strength.
In the first reading, Saint Paul echoes this same truth: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” — neither hardship, nor persecution, nor death itself can cut us off from His love. “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
Love, not power, is the greatest victory. God’s love conquers fear, sin, and death. When we remain in that love, we share in Christ’s own triumph.
Let us pray, then, that we may face every challenge with faith, carry out our mission with clarity, and respond to hostility with compassion. For in all these things, love conquers all.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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