Daily Catholic Lectio. Wed, 4 March ‘26. Being Misunderstood

Daily Catholic Lectio

Wed, 4 March ‘26

Second Week of Lent, Wednesday

Jer 18:18–20. Mt 20:17–28

Being Misunderstood

To be misunderstood is one of the most painful human experiences. It wounds more deeply when it comes not from strangers, but from those who are close to us — our family, our friends, even our companions in mission.

Today’s readings present two figures who were profoundly misunderstood: the prophet Jeremiah and Jesus Himself.

1. Jeremiah: Misunderstood by His Own People

In the first reading from the Book of Book of Jeremiah, the prophet speaks God’s warning to Jerusalem. The people are living in a false sense of security. Like passengers on the Titanic who believed, “Nothing will happen to us,” they assume their city and temple are untouchable.

Through Jeremiah, God exposes their idolatry, their infidelity, and their injustice. He warns of coming destruction. But instead of listening, the people conspire against him: “Come, let us plot against Jeremiah.” They dismiss him. They mock him. They reject him. Jeremiah is not attacking them; he is trying to save them. But truth often sounds like accusation to ears that do not want to change.

What does Jeremiah do? He runs to the Lord. He prays. He weeps before God. The first response to being misunderstood is prayer. He does not first defend himself before the crowd; he pours out his heart before God.

2. Jesus: Misunderstood by His Own Disciples

In the Gospel according to Gospel of Matthew, Jesus announces His Passion for the third time. He speaks clearly: He will be handed over, mocked, scourged, crucified. Yet immediately after this solemn announcement, the mother of James and John asks that her sons sit at His right and left in His kingdom. Jesus speaks of suffering. They think of glory.

Why do they misunderstand Him? They are thinking about themselves. They imagine His kingship like that of earthly rulers. They carry many expectations.

Often, we misunderstand because we are preoccupied — with our ambitions, our fears, our projections. How does Jesus respond? He does not react with anger. He explains. He teaches. “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.” The second response to being misunderstood is patient clarification. Jesus enters into dialogue.

3. Our Experience of Being Misunderstood

Being misunderstood is not rare. It happens in families, communities, workplaces, and even in the Church. Good intentions are questioned. Words are misinterpreted. Silence is misread.

The readings suggest two paths: First: Take it to God — like Jeremiah. Before defending ourselves publicly, we anchor ourselves in prayer. When our identity rests in God, misunderstanding does not destroy us. Second: Explain gently — like Jesus.

Not every misunderstanding requires silence. Sometimes clarity is charity. Dialogue heals confusion.

4. Continue the Journey

Both Jeremiah and Jesus continue their mission. They do not abandon their calling because they are rejected. Jerusalem is significant for both. For Jeremiah, it is the place of opposition. For Jesus, it is the place where His mission reaches fulfilment — through weakness, suffering, and finally resurrection. The very city that rejects Him becomes the place of redemption. This raises a personal question: From the place where I fall, do I rise? From the place where I am wounded, do I grow?

5. Leadership Through Service

The disciples wanted position. Jesus reveals purpose. True leadership is not about sitting at the right or left. It is about kneeling to wash feet. It is about embracing the cup of suffering. Sometimes we are misunderstood because we choose service over status, humility over power. That is not failure. That is fidelity.

To be misunderstood is painful, but it need not paralyze us. Pray — like Jeremiah. Clarify — like Jesus. Persevere — like both.

When our goal is clear and our steps are firm, no misunderstanding can ultimately defeat us. The cross itself was the greatest misunderstanding of love. Yet from it came resurrection.

May we have the courage to remain faithful, even when we are not fully understood.

Fr Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy