Daily Catholic Lectio
Tue, 13 January ‘26
First Week in Ordinary Time, Tuesday
1 Samuel 1:9–20; Mark 1:21–28
Power / Authority
Power is an essential part of human life. We all want some control—over situations, over people, over outcomes. When things move beyond our control, anxiety enters. Much of our restlessness comes from losing power we thought we had. But today’s readings invite us to reflect on a deeper question: What kind of power truly lasts?
Power that comes from outside is always limited. Titles, positions, recognition, and approval come from others—and what comes from outside can also go away. Today it is given; tomorrow it is taken back. True authority is different. It does not depend on applause or position. It rises from within. Because it flows from the inside, no one can easily take it away.
In the first reading, Anna shows us this inner authority. She is powerless in many ways: she is barren, misunderstood, and even misjudged by the priest Eli. Yet she does not collapse. She prays. Her prayer is not loud or dramatic, but it is firm, focused, and full of faith. Even when Eli misunderstands her, Anna does not argue or withdraw. She remains rooted in God. Her strength does not come from social status or religious approval, but from her deep trust in the Lord. That is why her prayer bears fruit. What rises from within, when rooted in God, becomes life-giving.
In the Gospel, we see this same authority fully alive in Jesus. The people are astonished by his teaching because he teaches “with authority,” not like the scribes. The scribes depend on borrowed authority—quoting others, relying on tradition alone. Jesus speaks from his own deep union with the Father. His words come from who he is. And because his words are true, they become effective. His teaching immediately turns into action. Even the unclean spirit recognizes his authority and obeys him.
Here we learn an important truth: authority is revealed when words become deeds. If words do not turn into action, there is no real authority. Jesus’ authority is not only heard; it is seen. Teaching, healing, liberating—all flow from the same inner source.
Anna and Jesus share one thing in common: God is their centre of power. Anna does not rely on the authority of the priest; she trusts the power of prayer. Jesus does not depend on the authority of institutions; he stands in the authority of his relationship with the Father.
For us, this is a call to grow in true authority. We grow in authority when we know who we are. We grow in authority when we live in union with God. And we grow in authority when we reduce the gap between what we say and what we do. When our identity is clear, our faith is deep, and our life is integrated, authority naturally flows.
Power that controls creates fear. Authority that flows from within creates freedom. May we seek not power over others, but authority rooted in God—an authority that speaks quietly, acts clearly, and transforms lives.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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