January 7, 2026 // Optional Memorial of Saint Raymond of Penyafort, priest

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Mark 6:45-52 

Reflect on the Word // 

Tears welled in my eyes when I realized I’d hurt a loved one with a snap judgment, assuming—wrongly—that they were about to do something I didn’t like. I had jumped to prevent what I expected was coming, only to find I was so wrong about their intentions. I felt awful. 

There are countless times that I thought I knew what was going on around me, made a quick assessment, and settled on a negative perception of a person or event. From those negative perceptions, I’ve made sweeping judgements, said critical things, and acted on false assumptions. I repeatedly confess these things, waiting for God’s grace to finally make a swift change in my heart. 

Perhaps my heart isn’t too different from the disciples’ hearts in today’s Gospel. These men were devoted followers of Jesus. Yet something about fearing the wind and not understanding the incident of the loaves indicates their hardened hearts. I found this curious; fearing strong wind doesn’t seem to be hard-hearted, not at all like rejecting Jesus’ teaching about the Eucharist (see John 6) or Judas’ betrayal (see Matthew 26:47-50). 

As I pondered this, I realized that fear and misunderstanding could point to a deeper issue: lack of trust in the goodness and providence of the Lord. When Jesus multiplied the loaves and fish for the five thousand, He provided for the crowd’s bodily needs. Hours later, the disciples let fear of the winds overcome them, lost sight of the Lord’s providence (doubting that He would protect them), and even failed to recognize Jesus, believing Him to be a ghost. They weren’t trusting in Him.

Who sees their Beloved and thinks it’s a ghost? Someone who lets doubts and fears lead their thoughts towards negativity, someone who lacks trust. My own heart isn’t too different; it’s hardened by mistrust in my loved ones (and Jesus).  

Sister, we need to look to Jesus again with trust, and ask Him to soften our hearts. No matter the storms we face, challenges with loved ones, or fears we may feel burdened by, He tells us to take courage. 

Relate to the Lord // Where do you need courage? Share your need with the Lord and ask Him to provide.