Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 5, 2022
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the profound connection between God’s love and our response to it. In the first reading from 1 John, we are reminded that God’s love for us is the foundation of our faith. John writes, “God is love,” and this love is not abstract but active. It is seen in the way God sent His Son to save us and in the way we are called to love one another. This love is not just a feeling but a commitment to live in harmony with God and with others. John also emphasizes that perfect love casts out fear, for fear has to do with punishment, but those who abide in God’s love are free from such fear.
In the Gospel, Mark presents a dramatic scene where Jesus walks on the water to meet His disciples, who are struggling against a strong wind. This miracle is not just a display of divine power but a profound lesson in trust and faith. The disciples, exhausted and frightened, think Jesus is a ghost, but He reassures them, “Take courage, it is I. Do not be afraid.” This moment echoes the first reading, as Jesus’ presence brings peace and dispels fear. The disciples’ astonishment and confusion, however, also remind us that faith is not always easy. Their hearts were still blinded, as they had not fully understood the meaning of the bread Jesus had multiplied earlier. This blindness is a reminder that our faith is a journey, and growth in understanding comes over time.
These readings call us to reflect on how we respond to God’s love and presence in our lives. Like the disciples, we may face storms—challenges and uncertainties—that test our faith. But Jesus is always with us, walking on the waves of our struggles, offering His peace. The first reading reminds us that God’s love is perfected in us when we love one another. So, let us ask ourselves: Are we allowing God’s love to abide in us? Are we sharing that love with others? Let us trust in His presence, just as the disciples learned to trust, and let us strive to live in a way that reflects the love and peace of Christ.