Daily Readings - Wed Jan 08 2020
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
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.