Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: January 8, 2025

Date: Wednesday after Epiphany

Scripture Text: Mark 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.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today from the Gospel of Mark immediately follows yesterday’s reading of Jesus’ feeding of the multitude. Today’s text shows us again Jesus’ concern and compassion for his own disciples and for the multitude that followed Him seeking healing and teaching. The text also shows us Jesus’ faithfulness in prayer. Finally, the reading for today reveals to us the slowness of the disciples to comprehend fully Jesus’ identity. Even after witnessing his miracles, they were frightened by His “unexplained appearance” rather than assured.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I still struggling with Jesus’ identity and His role in my life? Do I dismiss the miracles as special coincidences? Do I bring this to my prayer and seek help from the Spirit?

Praying:

LORD, You are love itself and we give You praise for who You are and thanksgiving for all You do with, through and in love. We especially give thanks to You for the gift of your beloved Son to us, even though we were sinners who could not and would not help ourselves. Send your Spirit to tenderize our minds and hearts, making them more receptive to your power and presence in our world and in our lives, so that we might more easily recognize your love shown to us through them. We ask this in the name of your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.