Daily Catholic Lectio
Sat, 1 Aug 2026
XVII Week in Ordinary Time
Jer 26:11-16, 24. Mt 14:1-12
Eliminating the Good
A few days ago, we heard the parable of the weeds in the field. The landowner allows the weeds also to grow in his field, with the foresight that the wheat may be destroyed if the weeds are removed.
But sometimes our society deliberately destroys the wheat plants. The world thinks that the wheat plants are obstacles to the weeds.
Today’s liturgy of the Word shows us two such events.
In the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah, who was rejected by the people of his own place, is sentenced to death by them. In the end, he is saved.
In the Gospel reading, Herod gives the death sentence to John the Baptist. According to the desire of Herodias, Herod orders the head of John to be cut off.
Why does society dare to kill good people, especially those who speak what is good for others?
Both the prophets mentioned above acted among the people as the voice of God. Humanity that does not want to listen to the voice of God kills those who raise that voice.
Still, the voice of God is not suppressed.
Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, stands firmly with Jeremiah so that he is not killed.
After John the Baptist is killed, Jesus begins to travel more widely in His public ministry.
Let us not allow the evil of others to change our goodness.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
A Yesni Prays Initiative
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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