Daily Catholic Lectio. Wed, 11 February ‘26. Direction of Purity

Daily Catholic Lectio

Wed, 11 February ‘26

Fifth Week in Ordinary Time, Wednesday

Our Lady of Lourdes, Memorial

XXXIV World Day of the Sick

1 Kgs 10:1-10. Mk 7:14-23

Direction of Purity

The discourse on purity continues in today’s Gospel, and Jesus offers a decisive correction. He redirects our understanding of purity. It is not what comes from outside into a person that makes one impure, but what comes from within. Purity, therefore, is not a matter of rituals alone, but of the heart. When the heart is pure, life becomes pure.

The Pharisees were deeply concerned about external cleanliness—washing hands, vessels, and food. Yet, Jesus exposes the deeper problem: inner disorder. From within come envy, greed, anger, deceit, pride, and violence. These are the real sources of impurity. External observances, though meaningful, lose their value when the heart remains unclean. Jesus teaches a clear direction: from the inside to the outside. Inner purity gives birth to authentic external holiness.

The first reading beautifully complements this teaching. The Queen of Sheba travels a great distance to encounter Solomon, drawn by his wisdom. Wisdom has an attractive power. A heart shaped by wisdom and integrity draws others naturally. Inner beauty radiates outward. Where there is wisdom, truth, and purity of intention, there is also light.

Today we commemorate Our Lady of Lourdes. In 1858, Mary revealed herself to Bernadette with the words, “I am the Immaculate Conception.” Mary is purity in its truest sense—not merely freedom from sin, but total openness to God. Her inner purity allowed God’s grace to flow freely through her life for the salvation of the world.

We also observe the 34th World Day of the Sick. In his message, Pope Leo XIV reflects on the theme: “The compassion of the Samaritan: loving by bearing another’s pain.” Drawing from Fratelli Tutti of Pope Francis and his own Dilexi Te, he offers three invitations. First, the joy of encounter: to become a good neighbour through closeness and presence. Second, to recognise that care for the sick is a shared mission, involving families, caregivers, health workers, and volunteers. Third, one who is moved by God’s love must learn to love both oneself and others.

True purity, then, is inseparable from compassion. A pure heart is a merciful heart. On this day, let us pray for the sick, stand close to them, and bear their pain with love. May Our Lady of Lourdes lead us to inner purity, compassionate presence, and healing hope.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy