Reflect on recognizing Jesus in life's storms and the importance of seeing His hidden help amidst family challenges. Find comfort in His presence and share experiences together.
Today's Gospel: Mark 6:45-52
There is an unfamiliar abstract painting hanging in the confession chapel at a Catholic shrine near my home. It's a visually chaotic representation of this familiar Gospel. Once, while waiting in line with our family, my 5-year-old took notice of this artwork. She pointed to the powerful-looking robed figure amid the scary waves and whispered, “Is that a bad guy?” It was actually the figure of Jesus she was wondering about, but He did look scary. From her perspective, it seemed like He might actually be the one stirring up the nasty storm. An easy — and ironic — mistake.
Isn’t that often how life feels for us as parents? The things we are asked to walk through for our families are sometimes terrifying. It’s easy to fall into the convenient idea that God is causing our suffering. If He is all-powerful, why doesn't He do something to help our family, solve our problem, or heal our child?
Often, our human instinct is to blame God for the storm. But this painting, and my daughter’s faulty assumption, reminds us that Jesus is the one who calms the storms. He is the Divine Physician and the Good Shepherd. We should remember that He is sometimes unrecognizable in our fear. The Apostles were unmistakably scared.
“They thought [Jesus] was a ghost and cried out.”
But the relief came. It was He who was in the storm with them. He tells them, and us,
“Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!”
He could have calmed the storm from the shore, but He came out into the deep water, shrouded by whipping waves and rain. He will do the same for us when we cannot see the next step for our families. Even when the storm hides His face, He is already walking toward us.
Ponder:
Do I ever blame the Lord for my troubles while ignoring His powerful, sometimes hidden, help?
Pray:
Lord, help me recognize You in the storms of my family life. Give me eyes to see You working when Your face seems hidden.
Pray Together:
Ask each member of your family to share a time when Jesus has shown up in a difficult moment.
Copyright 2026 Katie Klements
Katie Klements is a Catholic wife and mom of six living in Massachusetts. Passionate about pro-life advocacy and Catholic family culture, she finds inspiration in the Communion of Saints and joy in cooking for her family.
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