Daily Gospel Reflection for February 1, 2025

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Mark 4:35-41

The apostles’ humanity comes through so clearly in this Scripture passage. Many of them were fishermen by trade. They were used to being in the water and had no doubt navigated many storms, but they also knew the danger a violent storm could pose. They feared for their lives and were shocked that Jesus was sleeping through the whole thing. How could He not care?! But Jesus did care, and as soon as they called upon Him, He stopped the storm.

Often in our lives, it seems like the storms are raging and Jesus is asleep. As Catholic mothers, we can face storms with our families. We might be having difficulties in our marriage or with our family of origin or our in-laws. We might be dealing with illness or financial troubles. Our children might have special needs or our teenagers might be in a stage of rebellion. Whatever the storm, life can be hard and it can feel like Jesus doesn’t care. 

I wish life worked as it did for the Apostles in this passage. I wish we could simply call on Jesus and He would immediately fix things the way we want them to be fixed. At least in my life, that has only happened on very rare occasions. Most of the time, Jesus lets us live in the midst of the storm for a while. Perhaps it is a way to test our faith. Will we continue to believe and to pray? Can we see the ways God is with us as the storm rages? Can we trust that Jesus will bring us safely to shore?

Ponder:

Where can you feel Christ’s presence in the midst of the storms you are facing right now?

Pray:

Dear Lord, please help me trust that You are with me even as the storms rage in my life. Help me to see and feel Your presence.

Copyright 2025 Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur