Readings:
1 John 4:11-18
Mark 6:45-52
Reflection:
The first reading gives us. Basis on how to belief and in what to believe. It’s so simple that still over 2000 years we can’t get our heads around love. We see across the planet violence, unnecessary bloodshed, hatred, revenge mostly in the name of power and greed or a sense of righteousness. Maybe if we took John’s words as truth then our world might embrace humanity and creations as gift and not something possesses or have power over. That build bonds through love, care and generosity would be a worthy reflection of God’s gifting to us.
All life is ‘gift’, but we keep locking ourselves away through fear and in the gospel, we see the disciples once again not understanding Jesus nor his message. The bountiful generosity of God is everywhere giving, and this we too can do in our day to day lives. This reaching out to others, sharing ourselves and what we have so others can come to enjoy community. It’s not blindness to our ills or misfortune it is rather the fundamental belief that God’s love is for all, and it is free. We bind ourselves to and in the world, with and through love. We become broken for others; So, in and through our mercy, care and understanding we heal and bind up hearts that have been broken.
Our fears lapse due to our trust, hope and belief in God’s love evidenced in Jesus – he calls us, he calms us because he loves us. In the words of Kevin Johnson, the Australia singer/songwriter “there is nothing I would rather do” and then he adds, than love you”. Can you imagine how we all would be if we believed that this is what Jesus is saying to each of us. The Passion would be alive in us as we move to others through our compassion, justice and forgiveness.
So, in this year of 2025 let’s strive to override our fear and stretch our capacity to love. Happy New Year!!
Paul Traynor is married to Clare and has two children Sam and Lucy. He lives in Greytown which is in the Wairarapa Region on the North Island of New Zealand. Paul is currently working as the National Passionist Family Groups Coordinator for Aotearoa, New Zealand.