Reflection for January 7 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:

Do we have the habit of setting aside time each day to be alone with God in prayer?

In the busyness and hustle and bustle of life, many of us find ourselves constantly moving, constantly occupied, and constantly tired. Too often, prayer becomes the first thing we set aside. And even when we do find time, we may not always pray with solemnity and reflection. We pray because we feel we must, and prayer slowly becomes routine—mechanical rather than heartfelt.

After feeding more than five thousand people, Jesus went up the mountain by Himself to pray. Even though He is the Son of God, Jesus recognized the vital place of prayer in His life. He knew perfectly well that life without prayer is empty, directionless, and shallow.

So He withdrew to the mountain to pray. There, in silence and solitude, He sought the Father’s guidance and strength as He continued His ministry. Like Jesus, do we prayerfully ask for God’s guidance and strength as we face our daily challenges, responsibilities, and struggles?

Everything we do in this world—no matter how important it may seem—will eventually pass away. One day, we will leave it all behind, and much of it may even be forgotten. But the prayers we offer each day will carry us through the daily grind of life. They ground us, strengthen us, and keep our hearts anchored in God.

And those same daily prayers, offered in quiet moments of isolation with the Lord, slowly shape our souls. One day, they will become the key that opens the doorway to heaven.

Are we willing to step away from the noise of life, to climb our own “mountain,” and to meet God in prayer—not out of obligation, but out of love and trust? — Marino J. Dasmarinas