Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 72:1-2, 10, 12-13)
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
Alleluia: (1 Timothy 3:16)
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to you, O Christ, proclaimed to the Gentiles… believed in throughout the world.
Gospel: (Mark 6:45-52)
Reflection
Today’s readings invite us into a deeper encounter with love, the foundational reality of our faith.
In 1 John, Saint John doesn’t offer a philosophical definition of love, he gives us God Himself: “God is love.” He reveals that love isn’t simply a feeling or an abstract ideal, but an abiding presence of God in us. Because God first loved us, shown supremely in sending His Son as Savior, we are empowered to love one another. When we choose love, we participate in divine life.
But this love isn’t sentimental, it is transformational. It goes beyond what is easy or safe. Perfect love drives out fear. Fear, according to the reading, is connected with judgment and punishment. But Christ’s love frees us, not through avoidance of consequences, but by placing us in God’s merciful embrace. When we live in love, we live in God and God lives in us.
A Boat in the Storm, and Christ Walking on Water
In the Gospel from Mark, the disciples are exhausted, caught in the boat, buffeted by wind and darkness. They strain, working with all their strength, yet the waves still toss them. Then Jesus comes, not by boat, but walking on the sea.
Their fear is familiar: the unknown, the threat, the sense of being overwhelmed. But before they even fully recognize who is with them, Jesus speaks: “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid.” His presence calms the storm.
This scene becomes a powerful image for our own lives:
The boat, our efforts and plans.
The storm, life’s fears: illness, broken relationships, uncertainty.
Jesus on the water, His presence beyond all natural expectations.
His words, an invitation to trust rather than fear.
From Fear to Faith
Like the disciples, we can find ourselves so focused on the storm that we fail to recognize Christ’s presence. Love has come to us not as a distant idea but as a person, Emmanuel, God with us. When we allow His love to dwell in our hearts, fear loses its power. We begin to see Christ not just in the calm but within the chaos, guiding and steadying us.
God bless you 🙏
Amen.
Pal Ronnie
No comments:
Post a Comment