My Wednesday Daily Blessings, January 8, 2014

 

My Wednesday Daily Blessings

 

Be still, quiet your heart and mind, the Lord is here, loving you, talking to you.............

Wednesday after Epiphany (Roman Rite Calendar)

 

First Reading: 1 Jn 4:11-18

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another.  No one has ever seen God.  Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us.
This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us, that he has given us of his Spirit.  Moreover, we have seen and testify that the Father sent his Son as savior of the world.  Whoever acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him and he in God.  We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us.
God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.  In this is love brought to perfection among us, that we have confidence on the day of judgment because as he is, so are we in this world.  There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 72:1-2, 10, 12-13

"Lord every nation on earth will adore you." 

Gospel:  Mk 6:45-52

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.

Meditation: 

Do you ever feel tested or let down by the Lord? Right after Jesus performed the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, he left his disciples by themselves so he could go away and pray alone for a while.  It was at Jesus' initiative that the disciples set sail across the lake, only to find themselves in a life-threatening storm. Although they were experienced fishermen, they feared for their lives. The Lake of Galilee was known for its sudden storms which sank many boats because of its fierce winds which swept down from the nearby mountains. The disciples must have called out for their Master to come and rescue them.  Although Jesus was not with them in the boat, he, nonetheless watched for them in earnest prayer. When he perceived their trouble and heard their cries, he came out to them walking on the troubled waters.  The disciples were terrified rather than joyful when they saw Jesus' presence on the water.  They couldn't believe it was really him until he spoke words of assurance:  "Dont give in to fear or panic, but take courage and be calm, because I am here for you and ready to help you in your need."  Jesus not only calmed their fears, but the threatening waves and storm as well.

Does the Lord seem distant when trials and difficulties come your way?  The Lord nevers leaves us alone, but keeps constant watch over us at all times, especially when we are tempted and feel weak or helpless.  Do you look to the Lord to give you his strength and help when you are in need?  Jesus assures us that we do not have to give into fear or discouragement if we put our trust in Him and remember his great love for us.  He will see us through any trial that comes our way. When calamities and trials threaten to overwhelm you, do you respond with faith and hope in God's loving care and presence with you?

Prayer: 

"Lord, may I never doubt your saving help and your ever watchful presence, especially in times of adversity. Fortify my faith with courage and my hope with perseverance that I may never waver in my trust in you". 

 

Amen.

Source: 

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

**Don Schwager

Author and Writer

Editor of Living Bullwark

Member of the Servants of the Word