Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection January 08, 2025

08th January 2025 (Wednesday)

Psalter: Week 2

Readings of the Day

First Reading: 1 John 4:11-18

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another. No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us. This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us, that he has given us of his Spirit. Moreover, we have seen and testify that the Father sent his Son as savior of the world. Whoever acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him and he in God. We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him. In this is love brought to perfection among us, that we have confidence on the day of judgment because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love.

Psalm 72:1-2, 10, 12-13 (R. see 11)

R/. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

Gospel Acclamation

V/. Alleluia

R/. Alleluia

V/. Glory to you, O Christ, proclaimed to the Gentiles. Glory to you, O Christ, believed in throughout the world.

R/. Alleluia.

Gospel: 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.

Daily Gospel Reflection

Wednesday – After Epiphany

Guidelines: Loving God is proven through loving others. True love removes fear and brings peace.

1. Jesus reassures His disciples: “Take heart; it is I; do not be afraid.” Fear blurred their vision and weakened their confidence.

2. Fear reveals imperfections in love. Perfect love drives out fear because fear stems from guilt and the threat of punishment.

3. Where love is deep and perfect, there is no fear. Confidence, clarity, and freedom replace fear in a strong relationship with God.

4. Many practice religion out of fear, fearing loss of favor or punishment rather than being motivated by love.

5. A faith based on love rather than fear leads to genuine goodness and devotion.

Practice: Faith, charity, and devotion should be fueled by love, not fear. True love is a positive force that conquers negativity.