Daily Catholic Lectio
Mon, 13 July 2026
XV Week in Ordinary Time
Isa 1:11-17. Mt 10:34-11:1
God’s Recompense
When we receive something from someone, we often feel that we must give something in return. We do this quickly so that we may not remain indebted to anyone.
Today’s readings invite us to allow the Lord God to give us His recompense.
In the first reading, the Lord God speaks to the people through the prophet Isaiah. He shows the difference between what is easy and what is good.
External religious signs, celebrations, sacrifices, and prayers are easy. But they become useless when they are separated from justice. Therefore, the prophet tells the people to wash themselves, remove evil, learn to do good, seek justice, help the oppressed, defend the orphan, and plead for the widow.
God does not reject worship. He rejects worship without justice. He does not want rituals that cover injustice. He wants a life that becomes right before Him and before others.
With today’s Gospel passage, the missionary discourse of Jesus comes to an end. Jesus speaks about the cost of accepting Him and following Him. There may be division, rejection, and opposition.
Yet the Lord also speaks about recompense. Those who receive His disciples receive Him. Those who receive Him receive the One who sent Him. Even a cup of cold water given to a little one because he is a disciple will not lose its reward.
On one side, there are those who hate and reject the disciples. On the other side, there are those who obey the words of Jesus and receive His messengers. God Himself gives recompense to them.
Today’s readings invite us to know the difference between what is easy and what is good.
It is easy to offer external worship. It is good to practise justice.
It is easy to speak religious words. It is good to receive the messengers of God.
It is easy to avoid responsibility. It is good to give even a cup of cold water in love.
Let us not remain only with what is easy. Let us hold on to what is right and good.
When we choose justice, obedience, welcome, and love, we allow God to give us His recompense.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
A Yesni Prays Initiative
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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