Wednesday after Epiphany

• First Reading – 1 John 4:11-18: God’s love calls us to love others. When we love, God lives in us. Perfect love removes fear, giving us confidence in God’s love and presence.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 72: The king will rule with justice and rescue the poor. Kings will bring him gifts, and all nations will honor him. He will protect the weak and the needy, showing compassion.
• Gospel – Mark 6:45-52: Jesus walks on the sea toward his disciples who are struggling against the wind. Terrified, they think he’s a ghost, but he calms their fears, joins them in the boat, and the wind stops.

Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!

Mark 6:50

The Wednesday after Epiphany reminds us of God’s love and Jesus’ care for us, even in difficult moments. The readings from 1 John and the Gospel of Mark show us how love, trust, and faith can guide our lives.

• Perfect love casts out fear: The first reading tells us that when we live in God’s love, fear has no place. God’s love is strong and protects us from anything that might scare or worry us.
• Love one another: We are called to love others as God has loved us. This means showing kindness, patience, and care to those around us, even when it’s hard.
• Jesus calms the storm: In the Gospel, Jesus walks on water and calms the storm, showing His power over all things. When we are afraid, we can trust that Jesus is with us and will bring us peace.
• Faith over fear: The disciples are scared when they see Jesus walking on water, but He tells them not to be afraid. This reminds us to have faith in Jesus, even when life is uncertain.
• God’s presence with us: Jesus comes to the disciples when they are in the middle of the storm, showing that He is always with us. Even in our toughest times, God is near and ready to help.
• Trusting in God’s love: The first reading encourages us to trust in God’s love for us. When we live in His love, we can face challenges with confidence and peace.

The Wednesday after Epiphany shows us how God’s love and Jesus’ care are always with us, even in difficult times. These readings encourage us to trust, love, and live with faith, knowing that God is always by our side.

The Wednesday after Epiphany invites us to reflect on how God’s love and presence can guide us through life’s challenges. The readings show us that His love drives out fear, and that faith in Jesus can bring peace even in the most uncertain times. Through these reflections, we are reminded to trust in God’s constant care for us.

God’s Love Drives Out Fear

The first reading for the Wednesday after Epiphany tells us that when we live in God’s love, there is no room for fear. God’s love is perfect, and it brings peace and protection to our hearts. When we trust in His love, we can face challenges without being overcome by fear.

Fear often comes when we feel alone or uncertain, but the reading reminds us that God is always with us. His love is a constant source of strength, helping us overcome worries and anxieties. Living in that love means knowing that no matter what we face, God is there.

On the Wednesday after Epiphany, we are invited to reflect on how fear impacts our lives and how we can turn to God’s love for comfort. We are not meant to live in fear, but to trust fully in the love God has for us. In His love, we find the courage to face whatever comes our way.

Faith in the Storm

In the Gospel for the Wednesday after Epiphany, the disciples are scared when they see Jesus walking on the water. They don’t recognize Him at first, and their fear grows in the stormy conditions. But Jesus reassures them, telling them not to be afraid and showing them that He is in control.

This moment reminds us that fear can creep in when we don’t understand what is happening in our lives. Just like the disciples in the storm, we can feel overwhelmed by things beyond our control. But Jesus is always present, guiding us through the storm and asking us to trust in Him.

On the Wednesday after Epiphany, we are called to put our faith in Jesus, even when life is uncertain or difficult. We may not always see the path clearly, but trusting in Jesus means knowing He will calm the storm in our hearts. His presence brings peace and courage, no matter how rough the waters may seem.

God’s Constant Presence

Both the first reading and the Gospel for the Wednesday after Epiphany remind us of God’s constant presence in our lives. In the first reading, we are reminded that God’s love is always with us, driving out fear. In the Gospel, Jesus is with His disciples in the storm, showing that He is near, even in the darkest moments.

God’s presence is not something we can always see, but it is something we can feel when we trust in His love. Whether we are facing small challenges or major storms in life, God is by our side, offering comfort and peace. His love never leaves us, no matter what.

On the Wednesday after Epiphany, we can take comfort in knowing that God’s love is with us in every situation. We are never alone, and His presence gives us strength to face anything. When we rely on God’s constant presence, we can live with confidence and trust, knowing He will always carry us through.

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As we reflect on the Wednesday after Epiphany, we are encouraged to rely on God’s love and presence in every moment of our lives. Whether facing fear or uncertainty, we can trust that God is with us, offering peace and strength. Let us embrace His love and live with faith and confidence in His care.

Prayer

Lord, help us trust in Your love and presence every day. Take away our fears and fill us with the peace that comes from knowing You are always near. Strengthen our faith and guide us through all the challenges we face. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can I rely more on God’s love to drive away fear in my life?
• In what ways can I trust Jesus more when I face uncertainty or difficulty?
• Where do I see God’s presence during challenging times?
• How can I show others the same love and peace that God gives me?

USCCB Reflection: Trusting in God’s Love and Presence

In this USCCB video reflection for the Wednesday after Epiphany, Dr. Jem Sullivan reflects on Jesus’ miracles of feeding the 5,000 and calming the storm. Despite these signs, the disciples still doubted, and their hearts were hardened. Dr. Sullivan reminds us that, like the disciples, we may face doubts, but faith seeks understanding. God’s love is the answer to our fears, and through faith, we can trust in His word and presence. The message of the Wednesday after Epiphany encourages us to bring our questions to God and receive His peace and guidance.

What date is the Wednesday after Epiphany?

The next date is Wednesday January 8, 2025.

What are the Mass readings for the Wednesday after Epiphany?

The Mass readings for Wednesday January 8, 2025 are:
First Reading  – 1 John 4:11-18: Love Perfected in Us
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 72: All Nations Will Honor the Lord
Gospel – Mark 6:45-52: Walking on Water

Why does the first reading for the Wednesday after Epiphany talk about perfect love casting out fear?

When we trust in God’s love, fear loses its power over us. God’s love gives us strength to face our worries and challenges with peace.

What does it mean to love one another as God loves us?

We are called to treat others with the same kindness and care that God shows us. Loving one another means being patient, forgiving, and helping others even when it’s difficult.

Why were the disciples afraid when they saw Jesus walking on the water in the Gospel for the Wednesday after Epiphany?

The disciples were scared because they didn’t recognize Jesus at first. This shows us that fear often comes when we don’t understand what’s happening, but Jesus reminds us to trust in Him.

How does Jesus calm the storm in the Gospel?

Jesus walks on water to reach His disciples during a storm and tells them not to be afraid. Jesus is with us in life’s storms, bringing peace when we feel overwhelmed.

What can we learn about faith from the Gospel reading?

We must have faith in Jesus, especially when we are scared or uncertain. Just as Jesus calmed the storm, He helps us through difficult times when we trust in Him.

How can I trust in God’s love more in my life?

We can grow in trust by remembering that God’s love is always with us. We can pray, reflect, and remind ourselves that God will take care of us no matter what we face.