Daily Catholic Lectio
Wed, 14 October 2026
XXVIII Week in Ordinary Time
Gal 5:18-25. Lk 11:42-46
True Religion
In today’s Gospel, the scene of Jesus dining in the house of a Pharisee continues. Jesus now moves from the theme of “purity” to the theme of “religion.” The meal seems almost to have become a time of confrontation.
Jesus says, “Woe to you!” three times. The first two are addressed to the Pharisees, and the third to the scholars of the Law.
Jesus points out that three basic pillars of their religious practice have become distorted: (a) Giving one tenth. (b) Worshipping in the synagogue. (c) Observing laws.
Giving one tenth was a religious duty. They were careful to give one tenth even of very small things. Tithing was not only a spiritual duty; it also carried a sense of social responsibility. But with time, justice and love were pushed aside, while the practice of giving one tenth remained.
The synagogue was a place where the Word of God was read and heard. But with time, it became a place where individuals tried to draw attention to themselves. The place that belonged to God was forgotten.
The Ten Commandments were given by God. But in the name of explaining them, human traditions too had gradually become laws.
For Jesus, true religion consists in establishing justice, loving others, giving God the first place, and showing mercy.
How can we apply this to our life today?
(a) Do we do what is easy, or what is right?
Giving one tenth, attending novena Masses, or praying the Rosary can be relatively easy. But forgiving, letting go, yielding to others, and being generous are often more difficult. Because doing what is right is harder, we sometimes continue doing only what is easier.
(b) Seeking the attention of others
Today’s social media often teaches us to seek the attention of others. Our search becomes outward when we want someone outside us to tell us who we are. When we constantly seek attention from outside, our sense of self, identity, and dignity can become weaker. Our true self, identity, and dignity must arise from within.
(c) The burden of law
The Lord God gave us the Ten Commandments. Jesus summarised them in two commandments: love of God and love of neighbour. Any law that is not rooted in love becomes a burden.
In today’s first reading, Paul speaks about the difference between the works of the flesh and the life of the Spirit. He invites us to live by the fruits of the Spirit. Where the fruits of the Spirit are truly present, law is no longer needed as an external burden.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
A Yesni Prays Initiative
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