April 18, 2026 // Saturday of the Second Week of Easter
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: John 6:16-21
Reflect on the Word //
I held the holy card and repeated the prayer on the back over and over until I fell asleep. This was my nightly routine as a little girl. I was plagued by fear, nightmares, and worry. The image of Jesus, His eyes filled with love, calmed me. I didn’t realize it at the time, but on the back of my crinkled holy card was a Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Each night that I trembled and wiped my tears, I was making an offering, even on the nights that I felt deeply alone.
Waves of suffering crashed against my soul. The sea of life was oftentimes stormy, dark, and sometimes terrifying. For many years, I lived my life from a place of fear. Jesus healed this wound in my heart. When I wondered if I was truly loved, or if my brokenness made me unlovable, Jesus responded, “It is I. Do not be afraid” (John 6:20). And the truth of those words eventually pierced my heart. I saw Jesus and His Sacred Heart burning with tremendous love for me. He is sovereign. He desires that I be with Him. I am His, and there is truly nothing to fear.
When we feel the familiar grip of fear destroying our peace, we can look amid the thrashing waves, and see the gentle smile of Christ. Through the wind and the storms we can see love bursting forth from His Heart. He knows our anxieties. He sees our pain, our suffering, and our doubt. He remains near. He is in control. We can trust Him.
Relate to the Lord // What Scripture or prayer can you repeat as you lean into trust?
Leana Bowler is a wife and mother of five little ones. She is a Holy Rosary enthusiast with deep devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Her love for the message of Divine Mercy led her to become a Marian Missionary of Divine Mercy. She enjoys the miracles of family life, strong coffee, and encountering others on this journey to sainthood. She was a contributing author to And Hay Became Holy and Made New: 52 Devotions for Catholic Women.
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