Daily Catholic Lectio
Thu, 29 Oct 2026
XXX Week in Ordinary Time
Eph 6:10-20; Lk 13:31-35
Courage Is Our Companion!
Today’s Gospel has two parts. In the first, some Pharisees come and tell Jesus that Herod wants to kill Him. In the second, Jesus laments over the hardness of heart of Jerusalem.
Why did the Pharisees come to Jesus and speak to Him about Herod? Did they do so out of concern for Jesus? Or did they mention Herod’s name in order to frighten and warn Him? Whatever their intention, Jesus clearly explains to them the purpose of His mission and the direction of His journey. He knows well that His journey is leading towards death.
Jesus says: “Today and tomorrow I cast out demons and perform cures, and on the third day I finish my work.”
Here, the “third day” points towards the day of Jesus’ resurrection. At the same time, for Jesus, every day is a day of mission. He continues His work without interruption.
In the second part, Jesus thinks about the injustice Jerusalem is going to commit against Him. Yet He does not become angry with the city; instead, He looks upon it with compassion. A hen does not become angry with the chicks that refuse to come under her wings. Rather, she fears that they may perish and feels compassion for their helplessness.
This Gospel gives us three lessons for life.
(a) How should we face problems and dangers that come towards us? Problems and dangers may come. But when we are prepared for them, they do not easily frighten us.
(b) The goal of our mission and journey must be clear, just as it was for Jesus.
(c) Instead of becoming angry with those who wish us harm or fail to understand us, we are invited to look upon them with compassion.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
A Yesni Prays Initiative
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