Daily Catholic Lectio
Tue, 22 Sep 2026
XXV Week in Ordinary Time
Prov 21:1-6, 10-13. Lk 8:19-21
God’s Family
Today’s readings present the qualities and attitudes that belong to the members of God’s family. It is not external identity or outward religious activity that makes us members of God’s family. Rather, it is a heart and a way of life that are in harmony with the will of God.
First, the members of God’s family live according to God’s will.
The Book of Proverbs says, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; like channels of water, He directs it wherever He wills.” Even if a person is the ruler of a great nation, he cannot finally act according to his own will alone. God’s purpose stands above human plans.
The reading also says that “to do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” This is an important reminder. Religious actions by themselves are not enough. The members of God’s family seek a righteous and just life. They avoid falsehood. They understand that obedience to God and a life shaped by His commandments are more important than outward religious observances.
Second, the members of God’s family listen to the Word of God and act upon it.
In today’s Gospel, when Jesus is told that His mother and brothers are looking for Him, He gives a new understanding of family: “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the Word of God and do it.”
Jesus does not reject His natural family. Rather, He opens the meaning of family more widely. Membership in God’s family is not based simply on blood relationship or marriage. It is based on relationship with the Word of God.
There are two movements here. First, we must listen to the Word. Second, we must respond to it through our life.
Listening alone is not enough. Faith alone as an idea is not enough. We remain members of God’s family by allowing the Word we hear to become action.
This gives us a simple question: What happens to the Word of God after I hear it?
If I hear about forgiveness, do I forgive? If I hear about truth, do I live truthfully? If I hear about generosity, do I share? If I hear about love, does my behaviour change? The Word must move from the ear to the heart, and from the heart to action.
Third, the members of God’s family show compassion towards the weak.
The first reading also speaks about our responsibility towards those who are in need. “Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be heard.”
If we belong to God’s family, then the needs of others in that family cannot be ignored. When another person is weak, poor, suffering, or in need, we are called to respond.
Our faith must therefore become acts of compassion.
Today’s readings therefore give us three signs of belonging to God’s family: doing the will of God, hearing and practising His Word, and showing compassion towards those in need.
Jesus tells us that His family is open to everyone. But entering that family also brings responsibility. To belong to God’s family means allowing His will to shape our choices, His Word to shape our actions, and His compassion to shape our relationships.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
A Yesni Prays Initiative
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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