Daily Catholic Lectio
Tue, 31 March 2026
Tuesday of Holy Week
Isa 49:1–6. Jn 13:21–33, 36–38
Calls of life
Today the Word of God places before us a profound theme: the calls of life. Not just one call, but many—divine invitations that shape our identity, test our freedom, and reveal our destiny.
1. Called from the Beginning
In the first reading, the Servant of the Lord speaks with clarity and conviction: “The Lord called me from the womb.” Before action, there is identity. Before mission, there is a call. The Servant knows three things: Who he is – chosen by God. Why he lives – to be a light to the nations. Who sustains him – God is his strength
In the Christian understanding, this Servant finds fulfilment in Christ. Jesus lives with a deep awareness of His call. His life is not accidental; it is purposeful. Even His suffering is not meaningless—it is part of His mission.
And so, it is for each of us. Our lives are not random. We are not here by chance. Each of us is called—called to love, to serve, to witness, to become light for others.
2. Called in Freedom
The Gospel brings us into a very human and dramatic moment. Jesus is at table with His disciples. There is intimacy, closeness, friendship. Yet, within that same circle, two different responses to the call unfold.
Judas receives the morsel from Jesus—a sign of closeness, even affection. Yet he chooses darkness. John notes with painful simplicity: “And it was night.” It is not only external darkness; it is an inner decision.
Peter, on the other hand, is sincere but weak. He says, “I will lay down my life for you.” Yet Jesus reveals that he will deny Him three times.
Here we see something essential: God calls, but we respond in freedom. Judas is not forced to betray. Peter is not forced to deny. Both are called. Both are loved. But both respond differently.
This is the mystery of our lives. God has a purpose for each of us, yet He does not remove our freedom. We can walk in the light—or step into the night.
3. Called to Inner Balance
What is striking in the Gospel is not only the actions of Judas and Peter, but the attitude of Jesus.
Jesus knows everything that is about to happen: betrayal, denial, abandonment. And yet, He remains calm, centred, peaceful. He does not become bitter toward Judas. He does not reject Peter. He does not cling to those who love Him, nor collapse because of those who fail Him. There is a deep inner balance in Jesus.
When does this balance come? When we know who we are before God. When we see our life within a larger plan. When we recognize God’s hand in all things. When we choose to love, even without being loved in return. When we are free from unhealthy attachments.
Jesus lives this maturity. His peace does not depend on others’ behaviour. It flows from His union with the Father.
4. Called within Mystery
The Gospel raises difficult questions: Was Judas destined to betray? Was Peter destined to deny? Is everything God’s will? We do not have simple answers.
But the Scriptures gently guide us: God gives a purpose, but also gives freedom. There is a divine plan—but within that plan, human choices matter. Judas could have remained in the light—but chose darkness. Peter fell—but later returned through repentance. So too for us. Our failures do not cancel God’s call. But our choices shape how that call unfolds.
5. Called Today
Today, the Gospel becomes personal. We are all sitting at the table with Jesus. And we must ask: Lord, what is the purpose of my life? Where are You calling me today? Am I walking in Your light—or choosing my own darkness? Do I remain with You—or do I walk away? Judas leaves the table. Peter stays—but stumbles. And what about us?
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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