Daily Catholic Lectio. Sun, 25 January ‘26. Where Is My Capernaum?

Daily Catholic Lectio

Sun, 25 January ‘26

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sunday of the Word of God

Isa 9:1–4. Ps 27; 1 Cor 1:10–13, 17. Mt 4:12–23

Where Is My Capernaum?

Place matters. Today even astrology tries to tell us whether the places we live in “align” with us—whether our footprints truly fit the ground beneath us, whether a place offers safety, meaning, and growth. An old saying puts it well: to God belongs time; to human beings belongs space. We do not choose our time, but we do shape our place. The readings today speak powerfully about movement, about finding the right place to live, to grow, and to bear fruit. That leads us to a simple but searching question: Where is my Capernaum?

In the first reading, Isaiah describes a great movement: from darkness to light, from the shadow of death to life, from sorrow to joy. These are not just poetic contrasts; they describe an inner relocation of the people of Israel. God brings them into a new space of hope. Their situation does not change magically, but their horizon does. Light breaks in. Joy returns. Life begins again.

In the Gospel, we see a concrete geographical movement. Jesus leaves Nazareth and comes to Capernaum. This is not accidental. Matthew tells us clearly: this move fulfils the prophecy of Isaiah. Capernaum becomes the centre of Jesus’ public ministry. From here he proclaims the Gospel, calls his collaborators, and heals the sick. Nazareth belonged to his hidden life; Capernaum belongs to his mission. Jesus knows where he must be in order to give life to others.

The second reading adds another dimension. Paul urges the Corinthians to move—from divisions and party spirit to unity in the Gospel. Baptism is not the end; it is the beginning. Faith demands a continual movement: from labels to discipleship, from preferences to the person of Christ. In other words, Paul asks them to relocate their hearts.

So how do we know that we have found our Capernaum?

First, we find light, life, and joy. Where God wants us to be, even difficulties do not suffocate us. There is inner clarity, a sense of meaning, and a quiet joy that does not depend on comfort.

Second, people become collaborators, not competitors. In Capernaum, Jesus gathers fishermen and makes them partners in his mission. When we are in the right place, relationships deepen, teamwork grows, and divisions lose their power.

Third, we become fruitful. Jesus heals, restores, and makes people whole. Fruitfulness is the clearest sign that we are where God wants us to be—not success, but life given to others.

The responsorial psalm lifts our eyes even higher: “One thing I ask of the Lord… to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.” Ultimately, our true Capernaum is not just a city, a role, or a ministry. It is the house of God—living in his presence.

Today we celebrate Sunday of the Word of God. This year’s theme is: “May the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Col 3:16). The Word of God is meant to become our daily Capernaum—the place where we dwell, return, and begin again. When we read it, study it, pray with it, and live it, the Word becomes the space where light is restored, unity is rebuilt, and fruit is borne.

So today, let us ask honestly: Have I found my Capernaum?

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy