February 01, 2025 Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19; Mark 4:35-41
Mark 4:35-41 recounts the dramatic account of Jesus calming the storm. As evening fell, Jesus suggested to His disciples that they cross to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. As they journeyed, a furious squall arose, threatening to swamp their boat. Meanwhile, Jesus, exhausted from His ministry, slept in the stern. The disciples, filled with fear, awoke Him, crying out for help, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” In a powerful display of authority, Jesus rebuked the wind and commanded the sea to be still, resulting in immediate calm. He then challenged His disciples’ faith, asking why they were afraid and if they still had no faith.
This passage offers profound theological insights into the nature of Jesus and the dynamics of faith during crises. First, Jesus’ authority over nature reveals His divine identity. By calming the storm, He demonstrates that even the chaotic forces of creation are under His command, reassuring readers of His divinity and sovereignty. The theophany in this moment echoes narratives from the Old Testament where God alone is depicted as having power over the sea (e.g., Psalm 107:29). Secondly, the disciples’ fear in the midst of turmoil reflects a common human response to uncertainty and danger. Their cry reveals a lack of understanding of who Jesus truly is. In moments of spiritual or physical storms, it is easy to feel abandoned or question whether God cares for us. This incident invites believers to reflect on the depth of their faith when confronted with life’s tempests.
Ultimately, today’s Gospel challenges us to trust in Jesus’ presence and power amid our storms. It reassures us that even in moments of despair, Christ accompanies us, calling us to a deeper faith that rests confidently in His loving care and sovereign control.
A Call to Action for Catholic Living: Let us place our trust in Jesus' unwavering presence and power, knowing that He is with us in every storm, calling us to deepen our faith and rest in His sovereign care.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
