Gospel

‘They saw him walking on the sea.’
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark 
Mark 6:45-52

After the five thousand had eaten and were satisfied: Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to 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, for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.’ And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

The Gospel of the Lord

Courage, It’s Me

The Lord sends me on missions that often feel overwhelming. Life itself can be tough at times. So much is beyond my control: the future of my children, my health and that of my family, work circumstances… But today, Lord, You look me in the eye and say: “Take courage, it’s Me; do not be afraid.”
Each night, I see You beside me. I see Your providential hand at work in countless moments of my life. I know You are with me, and that calms me, gives me peace, fills me with confidence and joy. You are by my side. How important I am to You. Thank You, Lord!

Applied to Married Life:

Graham: Alison, I’ve realised we live constantly under the shadow of fear. They say that over 90% of our fears are rooted in things that haven’t happened and likely never will. But we still worry about what might happen. What if I lose my job? What if something happens to the children? What if someone breaks into the house? What if I fall ill? What if we can’t pay the mortgage? What if you leave me?
Alison: True, Graham, but our fragility has a positive side—it reminds us that the Lord is present, that we depend on Him, and that He cares for us. The only way to live our lives in peace is to trust in Him. There are so many “what ifs” in the life of a family!
Graham: Absolutely. After experiencing the miracle of life, receiving the gift of family, and the gift of faith… we let fear of trivial things defeat us. It’s clear that if I live in fear, it’s because I’m turning my back on God. So, I’ve decided to keep Him at the centre and live my life with a sense of the supernatural. Today, the Lord says to me: “Take courage, it’s Me; do not be afraid!”

Mother,

How wonderful it is that the Lord wants to be so close to me, to care for me, to encourage me, and to fill me with hope. It gives me such joy to have Him by my side. My God. Who is like God? Praise be to Him.