Daily Reflection – Jan 6, 2016
Wednesday 6 January 2016
First Reading: 1 John 4:11-18
Responsorial Psalm:
Lord, every nation on earth will adore you
Psalm 71(72):1-2, 10-13
Gospel Reading: Mark 6:45-52
Today’s Note: Wednesday after Epiphany
Gospel Reading:
After the five thousand had eaten and were satisfied,
Jesus made his disciples get into the boat
and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida,
while he dismissed the crowd.
And when he had taken leave of them,
he went off to the mountain to pray.
When it was evening,
the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore.
Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing,
for the wind was against them.
About the fourth watch of the night,
he came toward them walking on the sea.
He meant to pass by them.
But when they saw him walking on the sea,
they thought it was a ghost and cried out.
They had all seen him and were terrified.
But at once he spoke with them,
“Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!”
He got into the boat with them and the wind died down.
They were completely astounded.
They had not understood the incident of the loaves.
On the contrary, their hearts were hardened.
Reflection:
The reason we “ought to love one another” is precisely because God loves us so much. “God lives in us,” John asserts. Jesus’ mission in this piece of Mark’s gospel includes solitary prayer and another proclamation. At first he proclaims, “Repent and believe” because the kin-dom is near. Today he proclaims what are his most repeated words in the gospels: “Do not be afraid.” As he walks on water he assures them: “Take heart. It is I. Do not be afraid.” When John writes that “perfect love casts out fear,” he doesn’t mean our loving. Our loving will never be perfect. John is referring to the only one with perfect love: God. God’s love incarnate in Jesus casts out all our fear.
Remember some of your fears from the past. What happened? And now, what do you fear? Share those fears with Jesus. Hear him reassure you—personally.
It is you! We do take heart and worship you! Please touch all those who lose heart. Please free your people from perfectionism and assure us all that you love us unconditionally.
