Greetings on this the Wednesday after Epiphany
Readings: 1 John 4:11-18; Psalm 72:1-2, 10, 12-13; Mark 6:45-52
The Walking on the Water
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another.
Sounds impossible in some circumstances to ‘must love one another‘. Then Jesus walks on water. He alone stretches out the heavens and treads upon the back of the sea (Jb 9:8).
Reflection
“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.
Even after the multiplication of the loaves and the walking on water the disciples simply could not image or expressing a type of skepticism about what they see and hear Jesus do before their very person. Assuming the account of these events are accurate one must ask the question: what more do you need? We can make this observation: that witnessing Jesus perform the Signs and Preach the Good News can in fact be an exterior and non-penetrating fact. A gift offered but not received.
Doubts
- He’s a ghost!
- It’s January and the water is frozen (forget about the boat in the waves, don’t confuse with the facts).
- The people had plenty of bread.
Lots and lots of ways to doubt love.
Useful related post: http://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2024/09/03/receive-the-spirit-who-is-from-god/
Thoughts on the Sacred Mind: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/a-short-story-sacred-mind.pdf
Personal Reflection
If I allow love to pierce my mind I learn something. If I allow love to pierce my soul, I become something.
Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
Pierce me, O Lord, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed [and healed].
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010825.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry