SATURDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, FEBRUARY 1, 2025

MASS READINGS:

Gospel

Mark 4:35-41

On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples:“Let us cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion.They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm.Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?” 

REFLECTION

“Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”

Surprised that my words of comfort and encouragement fell on embittered and angry ears, I came to Adoration to visit awhile. How many times have I heard the Gospel of the squall and Jesus Christ asking the apostles, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”

In my heart the joy of this Gospel reminds me of the time I was in deep despair, trying to understand all the emotions: anger, blame and shame that brought me to my knees so many years ago. What pain!!

Perhaps you have been there, too. Many prayers were said by me for my situation; yet, I was not quite ready to cede all to God.

Asked by God to go out, yet not knowing where to go, we should follow as Abraham. He, too, was called to take gigantic leaps of faith. Abraham did not know the way. I did not know the way, but He who can calm the sea, raise the dead, heal the paralytic and the lepers does.

Continue praying for souls, yours, our families, friends and those who most especially need them. We are never alone, we have Christ our Savior. We will win so long as we are willing to fight, obey in humility and follow His Will. Never give up!

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24)

God bless you