Daily Catholic Lectio
Sat, 12 Sep 2026
XXIII Week in Ordinary Time
1 Cor 10:14-22. Lk 6:43-50
In and Out
With today’s Gospel reading, the Sermon on the Plain of Jesus comes to its conclusion. Jesus speaks about the connection between what is hidden within a person and what becomes visible outside before others.
We cannot fully know the thoughts that live inside another person. But the words that come from the mouth reveal the nature of the heart. The inner life becomes visible through speech, action, and fruit.
Jesus uses two images. First, the tree is known by its fruit. A good tree bears good fruit, and a bad tree bears bad fruit. The fruit does not create the nature of the tree. It reveals it. In the same way, our words and actions reveal the quality of our heart.
Second, Jesus speaks about the foundation of a house. A house built on rock remains firm when flood and storm come. A house without foundation collapses. The foundation is not always seen outside. But its strength is revealed when the storm comes.
Jesus also warns us that an outward confession alone is not enough. A person may call Him, “Lord, Lord.” But if there is no inner change, the confession remains empty. True discipleship is not only in what we say outside. It is in the obedience and transformation that happen inside.
In today’s first reading, Paul writes to the Church of Corinth about eating food offered to idols. He reflects on the act of eating. Those who share in the one bread and the one cup become one with the Lord and with one another. Therefore, external participation in the Lord’s table must be joined with inner communion.
If believers take part in the same bread and cup but live with division in their hearts, the Eucharistic celebration loses its meaning. The outward ritual shows unity. But the inner relationship may carry division. Paul reminds the community that communion cannot be only an external act. It must become a true relationship.
This is the challenge of today’s readings. The person we see inside ourselves and the person we show outside must come close to each other. Our inner heart and outer life must not remain divided.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
A Yesni Prays Initiative
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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