Daily Catholic Lectio
Mon, 10 Nov ‘25
Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time, Monday
Threefold Relationship
The readings of the day invite us to look at our life through a simple but profound lens: our relationship with ourselves, with others, and with God. Wisdom 1:1–7 shows us how sin distorts these relationships, while Luke 17:1–6 offers the path to restore them.
(a) Relationship with Myself: Guarding My Integrity
Jesus warns against becoming a stumbling block to the “little ones.” These are not only children, but anyone weaker, vulnerable, or influenced by my choices. When my words or actions create scandal, I not only harm another—I wound my own soul. Wisdom reminds us, “Perverse thoughts separate people from God” and “Wisdom will not enter a deceitful soul.” When I compromise my integrity, I create a fracture within myself. True self-relationship means watching over my thoughts, intentions, and choices so that they do not drag anyone—including myself—toward sin.
(b) Relationship with Others: Embracing the Path of Mercy
Human relationships are imperfect. Misunderstandings and hurts arise easily. Jesus asks us to correct with honesty and forgive with generosity—again and again, if the other person truly turns back. Repentance is not a mere apology; it is a visible change of heart. Life together becomes possible only when we hold two attitudes in balance: the courage to point toward what is right, and the humility to forgive. A community survives not because all are perfect, but because love makes room for reconciliation.
(c) Relationship with God: Rooted in Faith
Faith is the ground on which every other relationship stands. Jesus’ image of the mulberry tree being uprooted and planted in the sea is a reminder: when faith takes root in us, even what seems impossible becomes possible. Wisdom tells us that God’s Spirit is “holy and all-pervading,” and that nothing is hidden from Him. Sin distances us from this presence; faith draws us back. When my heart is aligned with God, I find the strength to remain upright, to forgive, and to act with courage.
A Unified Vision
These three relationships are not separate paths. They flow into one another. When I am truthful with myself, I become a blessing to others. When I forgive others, my heart becomes open to God. When I trust in God, I receive the grace to live with integrity and compassion. Let us pray for the grace to preserve these three relationships—within ourselves, with our brothers and sisters, and with the God whose Spirit dwells within us—so that our lives may become a living witness to His wisdom, mercy, and power.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
Leave a comment