Astonished
Wednesday after Epiphany
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
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.
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Even the disciples’ hearts were hardened, St. Mark writes in his Gospel. We must remember that they were men, normal men with normal lives. They weren’t without sin when Jesus called them (look at St. Matthew), and they weren’t without sin long after Jesus calls them (look at St. Peter). But due to their constant encounters with Jesus they actually changed. Their lives took on different meaning, greater purpose, and heightened joy. If they would have looked at their insignificance, their unpreparedness, their remaining sin, they never would have joined Christ and helped transform the entire world.
“Do not be afraid” Jesus says. Do not be afraid of evil, of suffering, of death. But also, do not be afraid of ourselves. Jesus knows we are weak… and He calls us anyway. Jesus’ power is greater than our weakness. St. Paul, calls himself “the least of all the holy ones” (Ephesians 3:8) in part “because I persecuted the Church of God.” Jesus says to him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” Be not afraid of life in Christ!
Together as a family pray a portion of the Rosary (i.e. – very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture above. (Optional – allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
Like Pier? Share it with others (via links below) / Subscribe to it (below) / Support (the mission)
