Readings: 1 Jn. 4:11-18 | Ps. 72:1-2, 10, 12-13 | Mk. 6:45-52

John continues to call us to live life out of love. Perfect love is above all fear. John teaches us that if we have true love for God and people, we will never fear what might happen. Perfect love is beyond fear and never fails to trust that God is with us and will take care of us no matter what. The Gospel shows the fear of the apostles as they are caught in a storm on the sea. They believe they are seeing a ghost when Jesus appears to them. We are invited to grow in love and trust each day. We will grow in that love if we take time to spend in prayer as Jesus did. Our lives may be lived in turmoil and struggle but God will never abandon us. This belief comes out of developing a relationship with God through prayer.

As this new year continues, reflect on how much time you spend in prayer. How much time do you spend on other parts of your life? Do they appear to be equal? If not, what will you do to change that? How can you add at least five minutes of prayer to your life each day?