Fecha: Viernes 9 de enero de 2026

Litúrgico: 9 de enero, Feria del tiempo de Navidad

Evangelio: Marcos 6, 45–52

Lo vieron caminar sobre el mar.

Este pasaje bíblico relata un suceso milagroso ocurrido después de la multiplicación de los panes, cuando Jesús camina sobre el agua para alcanzar a sus discípulos. Mientras los seguidores de Cristo luchaban contra un viento fuerte en medio del mar, se aterrorizaron al confundir su figura con un fantasma. Jesús les brindó consuelo inmediato, pidiéndoles que no tuvieran miedo antes de subir a la barca y calmar la tempestad. El texto subraya la incredulidad y el asombro de los apóstoles, quienes aún no comprendían la magnitud del poder divino mostrado previamente. Esta narrativa enfatiza la autoridad de Jesús sobre la naturaleza y su papel como protector de sus fieles en momentos de crisis.

¿Cómo revela este relato la identidad divina de Jesús ante sus discípulos asombrados?

¿Qué importancia tiene la falta de entendimiento sobre el milagro de los panes?

¿De qué manera la presencia de Jesús transforma el miedo en paz espiritual?

Short reflection:

Calming the Storm on the Sea of Galilee

This passage from the Gospel of Mark recounts a miraculous encounter where Jesus approaches his struggling disciples by walking across the water during a turbulent night at sea. While the travelers are overwhelmed by a punishing wind and paralyzed by the fear of seeing a perceived spirit, Jesus offers comfort through his authoritative presence and command over the natural elements. The narrative serves to reveal his divine identity, contrasting his tranquil power with the disciples’ inability to grasp the spiritual significance of his previous miracles. Ultimately, the text illustrates a transition from terror to astonishment, highlighting the persistent gap between miraculous revelation and the human heart's capacity for belief.

Long Reflection:

Catholic Reflections – Take Heart; It Is I

Date: Friday 9 January 2026

liturgical

Liturgical: 9 January, Feria of Christmas time

Outline:

• Opening prayer

• Gospel reading (paraphrased for easy listening)

• Reflection on fear, trust, and Jesus’ presence in the storm

• Key points for discipleship

• Concluding prayer

Gospel – Mark 6:45–52 (paraphrased):

After feeding the five thousand, Jesus immediately sent His disciples ahead in a boat toward Bethsaida while He dismissed the crowd. When He had finished, He went up the mountain to pray.

As evening fell, the disciples were far out on the sea, and Jesus was alone on land. He saw them struggling to make progress because the wind was against them. Late in the night, Jesus came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him, they were terrified, thinking they were seeing a ghost, and they cried out in fear.

But Jesus spoke to them at once: “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” He climbed into the boat, and the wind immediately died down. The disciples were overwhelmed with amazement, because they still had not understood what had happened with the loaves—their hearts were slow to grasp who Jesus truly is.

Key Points:

1. Jesus prays and watches

Even when He is physically apart, Jesus is not absent. He sees His disciples struggling and He acts at the right time.

2. The wind was against them

Following Jesus does not remove storms, but it does mean we are not alone in them.

3. Fear can distort reality

The disciples mistake Jesus for a ghost. In anxiety, we can misread God’s presence and assume the worst.

4. “It is I. Do not be afraid.”

Jesus’ words are the centre of the Gospel: His presence is stronger than the storm.

5. A call to deeper understanding

The hardened-heart line is a warning and an invitation: don’t forget past graces. The miracle of the loaves was meant to deepen trust for the next trial.

Concluding Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

when the wind is against us

and progress feels painful,

remind us that You see us and You come to us.

Speak Your word into our fear:

“Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

Calm what is stormy within us—

our anxious thoughts, our doubts, our hardened hearts.

Teach us to remember Your past faithfulness

so we can trust You in today’s trial.

Draw us into prayer,

and fill us with a steady peace

that comes from knowing You are near.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Tags: Catholic, Christmas Season, Mark 6, Jesus Walks on Water, Storm, Fear Not, Take Heart, Trust, Prayer, Discipleship, Miracle of the Loaves, Faith, Daily Gospel, Prayer, Catholic Podcast, Catholic Reflections

Cuando Jesús multiplicó los panes, se reveló como un profeta.

Este fragmento bíblico describe un momento fundamental donde Jesús demuestra su compasión al actuar como un guía espiritual para una multitud desamparada. Al ver que las personas carecían de dirección, Cristo asume el rol de pastor y profeta enseñándoles y preocupándose por su bienestar físico. Ante la falta de recursos económicos de sus discípulos, el Maestro realiza un milagro de multiplicación utilizando apenas cinco panes y dos pescados. La narración destaca cómo una cantidad mínima de alimento logró saciar a cinco mil hombres, dejando incluso abundantes sobras. Este relato enfatiza la capacidad divina de proveer en la escasez y la importancia de la generosidad ante la necesidad ajena. Al elevar una bendición al cielo, Jesús transforma un momento de carencia en una experiencia de abundancia para toda la comunidad.

¿Cómo revela el milagro de los panes la identidad y compasión de Jesús?

¿Qué funciones desempeñan los discípulos y la multitud en este relato del Evangelio?

¿De qué manera transforma Jesús los recursos limitados para satisfacer la necesidad espiritual?