Mystery of the day: Joyful
Celebration: St. John Bosco, Priest (1815-1888). He founded the Salesian Society, named in honour of St. Francis de Sales, and the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians. His lifework was the welfare of young boys and girls, hence his title, "Apostle of Youth". He had no formal system or theory of education. His methods centered on persuasion, authentic religiosity, and love for young people. He was an enlightened educator and innovator.
📖Table of the Word
First Reading: 2 Samuel 12:1–7a, 10–17
Gospel: Mark 4:35–41
Theme: Peace! Be still!
Reflection
Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, as we continue on our spiritual pilgrimage with the reflection on the trial of David, a man after God's heart (cf. 2 Samuel 12:1–7a, 10–17). I wish to invite you to meditate with me o the theme: "Peace, be still!"
In the course of this reading, Nathan confronts David.
- Not gently.
- Not vaguely.
- But directly: “You are the man.”
David’s sin is exposed. And yet… something beautiful happens. He does not defend himself.
- He does not justify.
- He simply says: “I have sinned against the Lord.” That’s all. No excuses. Just truth. And mercy rushes in. This is the miracle of repentance: God never rejects a humble heart.
This scenario, actually presents the storm and raging images of life as we will see in today's Gospel. His acknowledgment of the fact that he has sinned brought about stillness of soul. Devoid of his royalty, fame, and recognition he was humble enough burying his head in shame, then asked for God’s mercy and forgiveness. Thus, the penitential psalm which he echoed: “Create in me a clean heart” (Psalm 51)
This psalm feels like tears turned into prayer.
- Not pride.
- Not performance.
- Just brokenness offered to God.
- And that is enough. Because God prefers:
- not perfect people,
- but honest hearts.
In the same spirit, that Evangelsist Mark who is being described as one with the Messianic secret of our Lord presents before us a touching account of the tale of the stormy sea, which caught up our Lord and his disciples. The disciples panic in the storm (cf.Mark 4:35–41).
- Waves crashing.
- Boat shaking.
- Fear rising.
Meanwhile… Jesus sleeps. What a contrast. They shout: “Master, don’t you care?!” And Jesus wakes and speaks only three words: “Peace. Be still.” Immediately — calm. But notice something deeper. The real storm wasn’t outside. It was inside.
- Fear. So Jesus asks: “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” Because faith doesn’t mean there are no storms. It means trusting that Jesus is in the boat.
Relating it to the celebration of the day, the Memorial of St. John Bosco - the Apostle of the Youth. As Christ woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)
St. John Bosco as a human also experienced the stormy part of life, which also prompted him to cry: “Lord, do you not care that we are perishing?” Because his life was rarely calm on the outside. But somehow… always calm on the inside. Don Bosco as fondly called lived in turbulent times: abandoned street children, poverty and hunger, political unrest in Italy and opposition from authorities.
Amidst this God spoke to this stormy situation. While others saw chaos, he saw Providence. While others saw problems, he saw souls. While others saw storms, he saw Jesus in the boat. So instead of shouting at the wind, he kept loving the boys.
- Feeding them.
- Teaching them.
- Playing with them.
-Hearing confessions, and then raying quietly at dawn.
Dearest friends in Christ, as we keep on pushing every now and then, let us not forget that God is handling the steering. He has never failed before, He is not failing and He will never fail in His promise.
+ Peace be with you!
© ARCHIVE 31012026
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