January 6, 2010
Christmas Weekday (Twelfth Night)
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. 1 John 4:16-18
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!" Mark 6:47-50
Piety
Psalm 139:1-15
O LORD, you have probed me, you know me: you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. My travels and my rest you mark; with all my ways you are familiar. Even before a word is on my tongue, LORD, you know it all. Behind and before you encircle me and rest your hand upon me. Such knowledge is beyond me, far too lofty for me to reach. Where can I hide from your spirit? From your presence, where can I flee? If I ascend to the heavens, you are there; if I lie down in Sheol, you are there too. If I fly with the wings of dawn and alight beyond the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand hold me fast. If I say, "Surely darkness shall hide me, and night shall be my light" -- Darkness is not dark for you, and night shines as the day. Darkness and light are but one. You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb. I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works! My very self you knew; my bones were not hidden from you, When I was being made in secret, fashioned as in the depths of the earth.
Study
We go off and do our own thing. No matter what we do, when Jesus sees we are in trouble or afraid, he will come to us no matter what the obstacle.
Today is the traditional day for Epiphany and Christmas in the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox churches which follow the Julian calendar. For them, their Advent period of fasting is now just ending. It also is known as Three Kings Day celebrating when we celebrate the revelation of God made man in the person of Jesus Christ.
One of the big things about Jesus that makes his humanity different from us is that he never got a chance to go off and do his own thing. From his boyhood, he was sent to dwell with us and walk with us for one purpose…to save us from our sins.
We might go off in a boat and leave him alone on the shore but he never leaves us alone on the shore. This scene in Mark’s gospel has certain parallels with the “last breakfast” scene in John’s Gospel. The disciples were out in the boat doing their own thing. But Jesus, in both cases, came to the shore alone and came to their aid.
Action
The boats of the Men’s 120th Cursillo team and the Women’s 130th Cursillo team are about to set sail. Climb aboard with your team Palanca to support them in the ten weeks of preparation so that they realize that they are not alone on the shore.
