Daily Readings - Wed Jan 08 2025
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 encounter profound truths about God’s love and our response to it. The first reading from 1 John reminds us that love is not just a feeling but a divine gift that flows from God’s very nature. John writes, “God is love,” and emphasizes that if we abide in love, we abide in God. This love is not merely sentimental but transformative—it casts out fear and unites us with God and one another. The Gospel from Mark complements this message with a dramatic scene of Jesus walking on water. After feeding the 5,000, Jesus retreats to pray, but when he sees his disciples struggling against the wind, he comes to them, calming their fears and demonstrating his divine power.
The context of these readings is crucial. In 1 John, the early Christian community is reminded of the essence of their faith: love. John’s words are a call to live out this love in tangible ways, just as God has loved us. In Mark’s Gospel, the story of Jesus walking on water follows the feeding of the 5,000, highlighting Jesus’ compassion and authority. The disciples, though eyewitnesses to the miracle of the loaves, still struggle with fear and doubt when faced with the storm. This mirrors our own experiences of faith—moments of clarity and trust often give way to uncertainty in the face of challenges.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and with others. John’s emphasis on love challenges us to examine how we treat one another. Do we allow God’s love to flow through us, or do we let fear and self-interest take root? Mark’s story, meanwhile, reminds us that even in the midst of turmoil, Jesus is always present, offering us peace and courage. Like the disciples, we may not always understand God’s ways, but we are called to trust in his providence.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Where is fear holding me back? How can I let God’s perfect love cast out that fear? And how can I share this love with others? The moral lesson is clear: faith and love are inseparable. Just as Jesus calmed the storm, he can calm the storms in our lives. But we must open our hearts to his presence and allow his love to transform us. In doing so, we become instruments of that same love in a world that so desperately needs it.