Daily Catholic Lectio
Tue, 16 December ‘25
Third Week of Advent, Tuesday
Zephaniah 3:1–2, 9–13. Matthew 21:28–32
Words and Deeds
One sign of human maturity is the gradual closing of the gap between what we say and what we do. In our younger years, we speak easily and promise generously. Often our words remain only words. As life advances, we discover that time is short and credibility matters. Slowly, words decrease and actions increase. We realise an important truth: our deeds are our truest words.
Today’s readings invite us to examine this very relationship between word and action.
In the first reading from the prophet Zephaniah, the Lord laments over Jerusalem. God’s words are strong and uncompromising: the city has not listened, not accepted correction, not trusted the Lord. Yet, strikingly, God does not stop with words. His judgement gives way to mercy. He acts: He purifies lips, gathers the humble, protects the poor, and creates a people who will trust in His name. God’s deeds reveal His deepest word — mercy.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the two sons. One says “No” but later goes and works in the vineyard. The other says “Yes” but does not go. One lacks the right words but performs the right action; the other speaks well but acts falsely. Jesus makes it clear: the Kingdom belongs not to fine speakers, but to those who do the Father’s will. The problem is not only saying “No” or “Yes”; the problem is the contradiction between the two.
If we stretch this parable across the Gospel narratives surrounding the birth of Jesus, four distinct responses to God emerge — four groups that reveal the tension between words and deeds.
First: neither word nor deed.
Some neither accepted the Messiah in words nor allowed Him to live in deeds. King Herod stands as the clearest example. He refused to acknowledge the truth and actively tried to destroy it. This is the most tragic position: rejection both in speech and in action.
Second: word without deed.
Others knew the truth and could speak it, but did not act on it. The scribes in Herod’s court knew the Scriptures and could point out Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah. The people of Jerusalem saw the star. Yet none of them moved. Their faith remained information, not transformation. They said the right things but stayed where they were.
Third: deed without word.
The shepherds offer a contrasting response. When the angels announced the birth of the Messiah, they did not make speeches or ask questions. They acted. They went in haste to Bethlehem, saw the Child, and made Him known. Few words, but decisive obedience.
Fourth: both word and deed.
Mary and Joseph embody the fullness of discipleship. Mary said “Yes” with her lips; Joseph said “Yes” in silence. Both allowed God’s will to shape their actions. In them, there is no division between confession and conduct, between belief and life.
Jesus’ message today is clear: the Kingdom of God grows where words and deeds meet. Saying
“Yes” without action is empty. Acting without inner assent is incomplete. What God seeks is integrity — a heart that listens and a life that responds.
Advent is precisely this time of integration. It prepares us not merely to speak about Christ, but to move toward Him. The Messiah does not speak both “Yes” and “No” at the same time. He is the Word made flesh — word and deed perfectly united.
As we journey toward Christmas, today’s Word invites us to ask honestly: Which group do we belong to? Are our words leading us toward action, or shielding us from it?
May this Advent help us close the gap between what we say and what we live, so that when the Messiah comes, He finds not only believing lips, but obedient lives.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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