Daily Catholic Lectio. Thu, 29 January ‘26. To the One Who Has

Daily Catholic Lectio

Thu, 29 January ‘26

Third Week in Ordinary Time, Thursday

2 Sam 7:18–19, 24–29. Mk 4:21–25

To the One Who Has, More Will be Given

Today’s Gospel offers us three short wisdom sayings of Jesus. They are simple, but they touch the heart of spiritual growth and fruitfulness.

First, Jesus speaks of the lamp. A lamp is not lit to be hidden, but to be placed on the lamp stand so that it may give light to all. Light exists for sharing. Faith, gifts, talents, and insights are never meant to be locked inside us. When we hide them out of fear or insecurity, they lose their purpose. When we place them at the service of others, they truly become light.

Second, Jesus says: “The measure you give will be the measure you receive.” Life responds to our inner attitude. What we invest—time, attention, generosity, forgiveness—returns to us. If we give little, we receive little. If we give freely, life opens itself to us generously. This is not a calculation, but a spiritual law.

Third comes the striking statement: “To the one who has, more will be given.” At first it sounds unfair. But Jesus is not speaking about possessions; he is speaking about attitude. Those who recognize what they already have, value it, and use it well, discover growth and abundance. Those who focus only on what they lack slowly lose even what they have. It is the difference between gratitude and complaint, between an abundance mindset and a mindset of scarcity.

The first reading shows this wisdom alive in the person of David. After God makes a covenant with him, David comes before the Lord in humility and gratitude. He remembers where he came from and acknowledges that everything he is and has comes from God. David does not boast; he thanks. He does not cling; he entrusts. Because he recognizes God’s favour and responds with gratitude, his life becomes more fruitful. The shepherd who acknowledged God’s gift becomes a king whose light blesses the people.

David had, and therefore more was given—not because he claimed it, but because he received everything as grace.

Today’s Word invites us to examine our own hearts. Are our lamps hidden or placed on the stand? Do we give generously or measure narrowly? Do we live counting what we lack, or do we nurture what we have received?

When we recognize God’s gifts, thank Him for them, and place them at the service of others, the promise of Jesus becomes true in us: to the one who has, more will be given.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy