Daily Catholic Lectio. Sat, 23 May 2026. Focus

Daily Catholic Lectio
Sat, 23 May 2026
Seventh Week of Easter
Ac 28:16-20, 30-31. Jn 21:20-25

Focus

In today’s Gospel, Peter turns and sees the disciple whom Jesus loved following them. Peter asks Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answers, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me.”

This is a sharp and loving correction. Only a few moments earlier, Jesus had said to Peter, “Follow me.” Peter begins to follow. But immediately his eyes move away from Jesus and turn toward another disciple. His first distraction is not money, pleasure, or fear. His first distraction is another person’s life.

This is often our problem too. We begin well. We hear the voice of Jesus. We want to follow Him. But soon we ask, “What about him? What about her? Why is that person blessed? Why is that person praised? Why is that person spared? Why is my path difficult and the other person’s path easy?” In this way, comparison slowly takes away our peace.

Jesus does not answer Peter’s curiosity. He brings Peter back to his own call. “What is that to you? You follow me.” These words teach us focus. The life of another person is not our examination paper. The path of another person is not our vocation. God has a different question paper for each one of us. If we begin to copy others, we will fail our own test.

Much of our time is lost in trying to please others. We want others to approve our words, accept our actions, praise our work, and think well of us. Sometimes the success of others creates envy in us. Sometimes their freedom creates anger. Sometimes their gifts make us forget our own gifts. When we look too much at others, our heart becomes restless. When we look at Jesus, our heart becomes steady.

The first reading shows us a different kind of focus. Paul finally reaches Rome. He has passed through journeys, accusations, imprisonment, danger, and uncertainty. Yet his mind remains clear. He knows his mission. He must bear witness to Christ. Even as a prisoner, he does not lose his purpose. He welcomes people, proclaims the Kingdom of God, and teaches about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness.

Paul teaches us that focus is not the absence of difficulty. Focus is the strength to remain faithful in difficulty. He does not wait for perfect conditions. He does not say, “When I am free, I will preach.” Even in chains, he announces the Gospel. His body may be limited, but his mission is not limited.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church speaks about fortitude as one of the four cardinal virtues. Fortitude gives firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good. It helps us resist temptations and overcome obstacles in moral life. In simple words, fortitude gives focus to the soul. It keeps us steady when life is painful. It protects us from distractions when our heart is weak.

Peter needed this focus. Paul lived this focus. We also need this focus today. In our daily life, we should ask not, “Am I better than others?” but, “Am I better than yesterday?” Am I growing in health, peace, prayer, generosity, discipline, and joy? Am I more faithful today than yesterday? Am I more loving today than yesterday? Am I closer to Jesus today than yesterday?

Each of us is unique before God. Each of us has a particular path. Some are called to public mission. Some are called to hidden service. Some are called to family life. Some are called to priestly or religious life. Some are called to witness through suffering. Some are called to lead. Some are called to support. The important thing is not to have the same path. The important thing is to follow the same Lord.

Jesus says today, “You follow me.” These words free us from comparison. They free us from jealousy. They free us from unnecessary curiosity. They bring our eyes back to Christ. He is our centre. He is our way. He is our goal.

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

Fr Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai

An initiative of “Yesni Prays”