Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 8, 2020
First Reading: 1 John 4.11-18
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.
Psalm 72
1Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.2He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.3The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.4He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.5They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.6He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.7In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.8He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.9They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.10The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.11Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.12For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.13He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.14He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.15And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; and daily shall he be praised.16There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.17His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.18Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.19And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.20The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.
Gospel: Mark 6.45-52
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
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the profound connection between love, faith, and trust in God. The first reading from 1 John emphasizes that God is love, and this love is not merely a feeling but a divine reality that transforms us. John writes that if we abide in love, we abide in God, and God in us. This love is not just for a select few but is universal, calling us to love one another as God has loved us. The second reading from Mark’s Gospel complements this message with the story of Jesus walking on the water to meet his disciples, who were struggling against the wind and waves. Jesus’ words, “Be strengthened in faith. It is I. Do not be afraid,” offer us a timeless assurance of his presence and care, even in the midst of life’s storms.
The context of these readings is deeply rooted in the relationship between God and humanity. In 1 John, the apostle writes to a community facing challenges and uncertainties, urging them to hold fast to the love of God as their anchor. In Mark’s Gospel, the disciples, having just witnessed the miracle of the loaves, are now tested by the turbulent sea. Jesus’ appearance on the water is not just a display of his divine power but also a moment of tender compassion, reassuring his disciples of his presence and calming their fears. Together, these readings invite us to reflect on how we respond to difficulties and uncertainties in our own lives. Do we turn to fear, or do we turn to faith?
The moral lesson here is clear: love and faith are intertwined. Just as the disciples needed to trust in Jesus’ presence on the water, we too must trust in God’s love and providence in every situation. Perfect love, as John writes, casts out fear. This does not mean we will never feel afraid, but it means we can face our fears with confidence, knowing that God is with us. In our daily lives, this means loving others selflessly, even when it is difficult, and trusting in God’s plan, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. Let us strive to abide in God’s love, so that we may live with courage, compassion, and confidence, reflecting the love of Christ to a world in need.