Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: January 27, 2024

Date:  Saturday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  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?"

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today recounts the time that Jesus stilled the storm at sea as recorded in the Gospel of Mark. Those with Jesus and in the other boats that were alongside were amazed. Filled with awe, they questioned aloud, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?” Though many had been with him for some time, they still were largely unaware of who Jesus is.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Though I have been a Christian for some time, am I still unaware of who Jesus is?  

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your only begotten Son through the power of the Spirit to dwell among us as our brother and as our brother to reconcile us to You and to redeem us for our sins even though He himself was sinless. You beloved Son, always discerning and following your divine will, offered himself upon the cross on Calvary for us. Though we call ourselves by His name, Christians, we struggle at times to fully comprehend a love that would be that selfless, one who would be so full of love for others and for You. Send your Spirit to inform our minds, to conform our wills, and to transform our souls so that we receive that love and live it in our time, in our world. Grant that we may become the daughters and sons You created us to be and the disciples He calls us to be. We ask this in the name of your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.