MY daily reflection and prayer:
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
After Epiphany of the Lord
Dear my friends,
Here is the Gospel for us today according to St. Mark 6:45-52
Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to 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; for they all saw him, and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.” And he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
***
THE Gospel today tells that right after Jesus performed the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, he left his disciples by themselves. Jesus went to a remote place to pray alone.
At the same time his disciples sailed across the lake of Galilee and they found themselves in a life-threatening storm. As we know them well that they were experienced fishermen, but they feared for their lives. They cried out for help when they recognized that their boat was about to be capsized by the threatening waves.
Jesus perceived their trouble, so he came to them walking on the sea and startled them with his sudden appearance. But they were terrified rather than joyful when they saw Jesus’ presence on the water. They even thought a ghost had appeared to seal their doom. Jesus then spoke words of assurance to them, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.” Jesus not only calmed their fears, but the threatening waves and storm as well.
In the Perpetual Adoration of the Eucharist while worshipping Jesus Christ we encounter him who assures us saying, “Don’t panic. Take courage and be calm, because I am here for you and ready to help you in your need.” He never leaves us alone, but keeps constant watch over us at all times, especially when we are tempted and feel weak or helpless.
Let’s pray: Lord Jesus Christ, you assure us that we do not have to give into fear if we put our trust in you and remember your great love for us. We look to you to give us your strength and help. Fortify our faith with courage and our hope with steady perseverance that we may never waver in placing all our trust in you now and forever. Amen.
Kredit foto: Ilustrasi (Ist)
