Reflection for January 5, Wednesday after Epiphany: Mark 6:45-52

Gospel: Mark 6:45-52

After the five thousand had eaten and were satisfied, Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray. When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore.  

Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out.  

They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were completely astounded. They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened.

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Reflection:

What do you do when you encounter turbulent storms in your life?  

Each one of us encounters storms in our life, some of us are able to survive these life storms and bounce back. Some unfortunately are not able to get up again they wallow in self-pity and they live problematic lives for so long as they live.  

What is the secret of those who are able to survive and bounce back? It’s not their money; it’s not their friends not even their strong family support. They’re able to survive and bounce back because of their faith that is strongly anchored on Jesus.  

All of the possessions and power that we see and grasp will eventually pass us by. But there’s one that will be with us until eternity and that is Jesus. In this internet, facebook and social media driven world that we are in right now, Jesus seems to be irrelevant already for many. Let us not make that mistake of consigning Jesus to irrelevancy because we need Jesus today more than ever.   

Get to know the Lord deeply, try reading the first four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Bible (New Testament) for the life story of Jesus is there. And be a regular presence in the celebration of the Holy Mass for Jesus is also there. So that you’ll survive whatever storms that you may encounter in your life. – Marino J. Dasmarinas