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