First reading 1 John 4:11-18
As long as we love one another God’s love will be complete in us
My dear people,
since God has loved us so much,
we too should love one another.
No one has ever seen God;
but as long as we love one another
God will live in us
and his love will be complete in us.
We can know that we are living in him
and he is living in us
because he lets us share his Spirit.
We ourselves saw and we testify
that the Father sent his Son
as saviour of the world.
If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God,
God lives in him, and he in God.
We ourselves have known and put our faith in
God’s love towards ourselves.
God is love
and anyone who lives in love lives in God,
and God lives in him.
Love will come to its perfection in us
when we can face the day of Judgement without fear;
because even in this world
we have become as he is.
In love there can be no fear,
but fear is driven out by perfect love:
because to fear is to expect punishment,
and anyone who is afraid is still imperfect in love.
Responsorial Psalm 71(72):1-2,10-13
All nations shall fall prostrate before you, O Lord.
O God, give your judgement to the king,
to a king’s son your justice,
that he may judge your people in justice
and your poor in right judgement.
The kings of Tarshish and the sea coasts
shall pay him tribute.
The kings of Sheba and Seba
shall bring him gifts.
Before him all kings shall fall prostrate,
all nations shall serve him.
For he shall save the poor when they cry
and the needy who are helpless.
He will have pity on the weak
and save the lives of the poor.
Gospel Mark 6:45-52
His disciples saw him walking on the lake
After the five thousand had eaten and were filled, Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to Bethsaida, while he himself sent the crowd away. After saying goodbye to them he went off into the hills to pray. When evening came, the boat was far out on the lake, and he was alone on the land. He could see they were worn out with rowing, for the wind was against them; and about the fourth watch of the night he came towards them, walking on the lake. He was going to pass them by, but when they saw him walking on the lake they thought it was a ghost and cried out; for they had all seen him and were terrified. But he at once spoke to them, and said, ‘Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.’ Then he got into the boat with them, and the wind dropped. They were utterly and completely dumbfounded, because they had not seen what the miracle of the loaves meant; their minds were closed.
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Christ’s presence brings peace
In today’s Gospel, Jesus saw His disciples looking tired and scared as they faced strong winds and big waves. He walked towards them on the water to remind them, and us, that He is in control of every storm we face. In our own lives, we often find ourselves facing strong winds and frightening storms. These challenges can manifest as temptations that shake our faith, family issues that strain our relationships, feelings of rejection that linger painfully, illnesses that challenge our strength, or the profound grief that accompanies the loss of loved ones. Each of these storms can feel isolating, yet Jesus reassures us that He remains in control of our circumstances, eager to guide us through the rough moments we endure.
It is essential to understand that having Jesus in our lives does not guarantee a life free from difficulties or hardship. On the contrary, we will still weather our own storms, and the winds may blow fiercely against us. However, the difference lies in the peace and calm that His presence brings. With Jesus by our side, we can find solace in the midst of chaos.
Reflective question:
How can I learn to trust that Jesus is with me during my toughest times, instead of just fighting against the storms of challenges?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
