Daily Readings - Wed Jan 09 2019
1 John
11Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.12No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.13Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.14And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.15Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.16And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.17Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Mark
45And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.46And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.47And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.48And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.49But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:50For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.51And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.52For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the profound connection between love, faith, and trust in God. In the first reading from 1 John, we are reminded that God’s love is not abstract but deeply personal and transformative. John writes, “God is love,” and this love is not merely a feeling but a divine reality that dwells within us when we choose to love one another. The Apostle emphasizes that God’s love is perfected in us as we abide in Him, and this love casts out fear, for fear has to do with punishment, but perfect love is the assurance of His presence and care.
In the Gospel, Mark recounts the story of Jesus walking on the water to meet His disciples, who were struggling against the wind and waves. This passage is often seen as a metaphor for the challenges we face in life. Just as the disciples were tossed about by the storm, we too can feel overwhelmed by the trials and uncertainties of our world. Yet, Jesus comes to them, and His words, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid,” speak directly to our hearts. This moment reveals Jesus’ divine power and His deep concern for those He loves. It also highlights the disciples’ lack of understanding, as they had not yet grasped the full meaning of the bread—a reference to the multiplication of the loaves, which symbolizes God’s providence and abundance.
These readings are deeply intertwined. The love of God described in 1 John is the same love that Jesus embodies in the Gospel. Just as Jesus calmed the storm and reassured His disciples, God’s love is the anchor that holds us steady in the midst of life’s turbulence. The moral lesson here is clear: we are called to trust in God’s love and provision, even when the winds of fear and doubt assail us. Like the disciples, we may sometimes fail to see God’s hand at work in our lives, but His love remains constant and unchanging. Let us, therefore, strive to live in the confidence of His love, knowing that as long as we abide in Him, we need not be afraid.