MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 7 JANUARY
January 7, 2026
FEAST OF SAINTS APOLLINARIS THE APOLOGIST AND SAINT THORFINN OF HAMAR- 8th JANUARY
January 8, 2026
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
7 JANUARY, 2026
Mark 6:45-52
After the five thousand had eaten and were satisfied,
Jesus made his disciples get into the boat
and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida,
while he dismissed the crowd.
And when he had taken leave of them,
he went off to the mountain to pray.
When it was evening,
the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore.
Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing,
for the wind was against them.
About the fourth watch of the night,
he came toward 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.
They had all seen him and were terrified.
But at once he spoke with them,
“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.
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In this passage, the disciples find themselves struggling against strong winds, exhausted and afraid, while Jesus seems distant, praying on the mountain. Yet He sees them in their distress and comes to them, walking on the sea. Their fear blinds them to His presence; instead of recognizing His saving nearness, they are terrified. This reveals how easily human hearts can forget God’s power, even after witnessing miracles like the feeding of the five thousand.
Jesus’ words, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid,” cut through the storm. His presence brings calm where chaos reigns, and His entry into the boat stills the wind. The disciples’ hearts, however, remain hardened—they struggle to understand that the same Lord who multiplies bread also rules the waves. This Gospel invites us to trust not only in what Jesus does for us, but in who He is: the Lord who comes to us amid fear, confusion, and resistance.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus,
You see me when I am weary and straining against the storms of life.
When fear clouds my vision and doubt hardens my heart, come to me as You came to Your disciples.
Speak Your word of peace into my turmoil and help me recognize Your presence even when You seem distant.
Strengthen my faith to trust in Your power and love,
so that I may welcome You into the boat of my life
and rest in the calm that only You can give.
Amen
