Memorial of Saint John Neumann
January 5, 2022
Daily Reading from the USCCB: Mark 6:45-52
The overview of the person and ministry of Jesus continues. In today’s narrative from Mark we see Jesus walking on the water in the midst of a great storm. His disciples are terrified until Jesus calms them down. Jesus is presented as a figure of power–calmly facing threats that sent other men into panic.
Jesus would manifest his power in other contexts in his ministry. He would drive out demons and overwhelm a troop of soldiers with a word. Fear didn’t seem to be part of his make-up.
There is plenty for us to be afraid of, but Jesus encourages us to trust in his power. He who can walk fearlessly over the waves of a storm can also look after us.
