Daily Catholic Lectio. Fri, 9 January ‘26. Will and Power

Daily Catholic Lectio

Fri, 9 January ‘26

Friday after Epiphany

1 John 5:5-13. Luke 5:12-16

Will and Power

In today’s first reading, John reminds us that victory over the world comes through faith. Faith is not passive belief; it is a living force that moves the will and releases power. To believe in Jesus as the Son of God is to allow our inner desire to align with God’s purpose. When the will is clear, power follows.

The Gospel gives us a concrete image of this truth. A man suffering from leprosy approaches Jesus. In Jesus’ time, a leper was cut off—from God, from society, and even from himself. No one could touch him; he could touch no one. Yet this man does not wait. He does not postpone. At the first opportunity, he comes forward and acts. He kneels and says, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” He has no doubt about Jesus’ power; the only question is Jesus’ will.

Jesus responds immediately. He does not delay. He stretches out his hand, touches the untouchable, and says, “I do will it. Be made clean.” In that moment, healing happens. The man is restored not only to health, but to dignity, community, and worship. Will is expressed, and power is released.

From this encounter, three life lessons emerge.

First, act as soon as possible. The leper does not say, “I will come later,” or “I will think about it.” He acts at the first meeting. Many times, we think, plan, and talk—but we do not act. Our actions reveal who we are. Not our intentions, not our plans, not our words—but what we actually do.

Second, passion precedes power. The leper’s deep desire to be healed gives him the courage to cross every barrier. When we are truly passionate about something, we find the strength to do it. Often our lack of power is not the problem; our lack of passion is. The unfinished book, the delayed visit, the postponed good deed—many remain undone because our desire is weak. In Jesus, God’s will and God’s power move together. Where there is true desire aligned with God’s will, power follows.

Third, keep priorities straight. After performing this powerful miracle, Jesus withdraws to a deserted place to pray. For Jesus, prayer is not an escape; it is his daily alignment with the Father’s will. Crowds grow, fame spreads, needs multiply—but Jesus does not compromise his priorities. Power without prayer would become empty. Action without grounding would lose direction.

Today’s readings invite us to examine our own will and power. Are we delaying what needs to be done? Are we lacking passion for what truly matters? Are we allowing distractions to shift our priorities?

When our will is shaped by faith, our passion becomes focused, and our priorities are clear, God’s power works through us. Like the leper, we are healed. Like Jesus, we become instruments of healing for others.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy