Daily Catholic Lectio
Tue, 9 December ‘25
Second Week of Advent, Tuesday
Isaiah 40:1-11. Psalm 96. Matthew 12:12-24
Searching the Least
The Word of God today gently turns our gaze. We usually look for what is big, impressive, successful: big buildings, big positions, big names. But today’s liturgy invites us to search in the opposite direction — towards the small, the unnoticed, the least.
The story of Christ’s coming itself teaches us this lesson. The people closest to the mystery of Christmas are all “small” in the eyes of the world: Mary of Nazareth, Joseph the carpenter, the shepherds of Bethlehem, and the Gentiles from the East. God begins his saving work not with the powerful, but with the humble.
1. God, the Shepherd of the Small (Isaiah 40:1–11)
In the first reading, Isaiah announces comfort to a weary people. To explain how God will restore them, he uses the image of a shepherd. This is not accidental. Earthly rulers, meant to shepherd the people, scattered them. But the Lord himself comes as Shepherd. Isaiah describes four gentle actions: He feeds the flock — meeting real hunger. He gathers them — ensuring none is forgotten. He carries the lambs — acting with sensitivity and respect. He leads gently the mother sheep — knowing each one’s condition. God’s power is shown not in force, but in careful attention to the weakest.
2. The Lost One Becomes the Most Important (Gospel)
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to search for one that is lost. By human calculation, ninety-nine is greater than one. But in God’s heart, the lost one becomes the most important. Jesus reveals the Father’s will clearly: not even one of the little ones should be lost. God does not rest content with what is secure; he goes in search of what is missing. For him, the smallest is never insignificant.
3. From the Word to Life
(a) Do not neglect small things
Scripture warns that those who ignore small things slowly fall. The strength of a great building depends on the smallest stone at its base. In the same way, small habits, small choices, small acts of care shape our lives. Many losses begin when we become careless about little things. Advent calls us back to attentiveness.
(b) How we treat the small reveals who we are
A person’s character is seen in how they treat the weak, the quiet, the dependent. Often, these “small ones” are closest to us — family members, colleagues, neighbours. Though physically near, we may be distant in time, concern, and generosity. Beyond this circle are many others who live in need and vulnerability. To search for the least is to treat every such person with dignity.
(c) When we ourselves feel small and lost
There are moments when we feel insignificant — through illness, financial struggle, old age, or loss of strength. At such times, we seem invisible, almost forgotten. Today’s Word strengthens our hope: God searches for us then most tenderly. His word does not fail; his care does not weaken.
Conclusion
Advent teaches us where to look. Not upward to the mighty, but downward to the least. Not toward numbers, but toward persons. Not toward success, but toward compassion. As we prepare for the coming of the Lord, may we learn to search as God searches — patiently, personally, and lovingly — so that no one, including ourselves, is left behind.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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