Daily Catholic Lectio. Sun, 15 February ‘26. Choosing the Greater

Daily Catholic Lectio

Sun, 15 February ‘26

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sir 15:15-20. Ps 119. 1 Cor 2:6-10. Mt 5:17-37

Choosing the Greater

Today, the Word of God invites us to reflect on our freedom and our responsibility. 

First, a clarification. There is a way of thinking called determinism or fatalism. It says everything is already decided. Sociology tells us our social background shapes us. Psychology reminds us that our past wounds influence our present. Biology speaks about genes that condition our tendencies. All this is true to some extent. Yet none of these fully defines us. We are influenced—but not imprisoned.

Second, we live in a culture of over choice. Go into a supermarket to buy a simple drink—there are endless options. The same happens with studies, careers, relationships, even life partners. Too many choices can paralyze us. We suffer not from lack of options, but from excess.

Into this world, the Word of God speaks clearly: we are free, and we are responsible. We are called to choose—not just anything—but the greater.

The first reading from the Book of Sirach, a wisdom book, tells us: “Before you are fire and water… life and death… good and evil.” God does not force us. He places choices before us. A similar exhortation appears in Deuteronomy 30: “Choose life.” Freedom is God’s gift; responsibility is our task.

Psalm 119 becomes our prayer: “Open my eyes.” We need enlightened vision to choose well.

In the Gospel, we continue listening to Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. The Beatitudes described the identity of a disciple. Salt and light described mission. Today, Jesus speaks of the core value: righteousness.

He introduces a key word: to fulfil. There are three possibilities—obey, disobey, or fulfil. Think of a traffic light. When it turns red and we stop, we obey. If we cross, we disobey. But when it turns green and we still stop because someone is crossing, we fulfil. The law allows us to go; righteousness asks us to protect life. That is the spirit of the law.

Jesus says our righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees and scribes. He takes three commandments and deepens them: “Do not kill” becomes freedom from anger. “Do not commit adultery” becomes purity of heart beyond lust. “Do not swear falsely” becomes integrity in speech.

Jesus moves from symptoms to roots. Not only external behaviour, but internal transformation. Holiness in emotions. Holiness in the body. Holiness in words.

In relationships—choose reconciliation over anger. In love—choose respect over objectification. In speech—choose truth over manipulation.

The second reading distinguishes between human wisdom and God’s wisdom. Human wisdom stops at legal correctness. God’s wisdom seeks righteousness of heart.

Today, we are invited to choose the greater: not minimal obedience, but fullness of love; not external conformity, but inner conversion.

Life is before us. Good and evil are before us. Each day we choose. May God open our eyes. May we always choose the greater.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy