Wednesday 6th January – Wednesday after Epiphany Sunday

Reflection: Mark 6: 45-52

DO NOT BE AFRAID

Bible scholars have said that the most commonly repeated phrase in the entire Bible is “fear not” or “do not be afraid.” This phrase is said to occur 365 times in the Bible; and many have interpreted this as a daily admonition from our Blessed God to us not to be fearful. Certainly we would go through some life situations that will stretch our faith and threaten our stability, but our good shepherd is reminding us this day that we can always trust His loving kindness and abiding grace to transform our situation for good (Isaiah 43: 1-2; Romans 8: 28).

Today’s gospel presents us with an account of a turbulent sail experienced by the disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though this journey was embarked on at the instance our Lord; nevertheless, it was not trouble free (Mark 6:48). Dearest in Christ, does this experience of Christ’s disciples describe your present situation? Christ is saying – “Courage….do not be afraid” (Mark 6: 50).

There is no fear in love, but perfect love cast out fear (1 John 4:18). The courage Christ calls us to is realised in nothing but a deep awareness of the great love of God for us. He who freely offered Himself on the cross for us is more than able to grant us all that is good for the fulfilment of our purpose here on earth and ultimately the salvation of our soul. Beloved, let us trust in the infinite love of God above our life’s challenges. This is a sure panacea for fear and worry if truly we have fully yielded our lives to Christ.

PRAYER- Lord Jesus, I trust in your love for me. Please fill me with your joy and peace. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH – What does God show us about himself when he sends his Son to us?

God shows us in Jesus Christ the full depth of his merciful love.

Through Jesus Christ the invisible God becomes visible. He becomes a man like us. This shows us how far God’s love goes: He bears our whole burden. He walks every path with us. He is there in our abandonment, our sufferings, our fear of death. He is there when we can go no farther, so as to open up for us the door leading into life.

HIDE A TREASURE – “Those who trust in the lord are like mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides for ever.” Psalm 125:1 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings – 1 John 4:11-18; Psalm 72: 1-2, 10-13; Mark 6:45-52