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Wednesday after Epiphany
I John 4:11
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18
Psalm 72: 1
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2, 10, 12
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13
Mark 6: 45
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52
Summary
Many Christians around the world celebrate Epiphany on January 6. It is even a public holiday
in some countries. January 6, which is 12 days after Christmas in the Gregorian calendar,
marks not only the end of the Christmas holidays but also the start of the Carnival season,
which climaxes with Mardi Gras. We celebrated the Epiphany in the church on Sunday. How-
ever, today’s readings strike a similar chord to the Epiphany’s meaning of “manifestation” or
“showing forth”.
John writes to assure believers of the certainty of their faith and to refute heretical uprisings. It
is considered to have been written to counter the belief that Jesus did not come “in the flesh”
but only as spirit. John seeks to help others discern true teachers: by their proclamation of Je-
sus in the flesh, and by their love.
Mark’s Gospel is an intriguing text because this is not the only time Jesus walks on water nor is
it the only time he calms the seas. Metaphors and manifestations abound in both scenarios
which we look at more closely.
Reflection
One of the most famous and enduring of Jesus’ miracles comes from walking on water. In fact,
the phrase “walking on water” has become a synonym for miracle.
I like miracles. What is it
about miracles that brings a light to our eyes? Is it the idea that situations can change in an
instant? That by some unknown force or means “magic” can happen? We can hope for the
physically and humanly impossible if we believe in miracles.
Growing up in the Midwest, I was not near a “sea” and swimming was as foreign as French.
Consequently my exposure to Ocean waves was non
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existent. When I first went into an ocean
and felt waves tumble over me, I gained a lot of respect for the sea. At mid
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life I started surfing
and that brought a whole new dimension to this “respect” for the sea. Waves would topple me
and I wasn’t sure I’d surface again.
Jesus’ disciples were
nearly all fisherman
and accustomed to
the frequent squalls
on the Sea of Gali-
lee. They knew the
sea. After walking
on water, Jesus
calms the sea. Two
miracles in one para-
ble.
Often this reading is
thought to explain
how Jesus calms our
troubled lives. Jesus
brings peace to the
chaos of the world, if