Daily Catholic Lectio
Sat, 1 February ‘25
Third Week in Ordinary Time – Saturday
Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19. Luke 1:69-70. Mark 4:35-41
Let us cross to the other side!
After completing the parables about the Kingdom of God, Mark begins to record the mighty works of Jesus in action (gospel reading). Presenting Jesus as the one who rebukes the wind and the sea – nature miracle, Mark invites his readers—including us—to ask the question, ‘Who then is this?’
The event begins with Jesus saying, “Let us cross to the other side!” Yet, the disciples forget that the very one who calls them to cross over is journeying with them. The stormy waves and Jesus’ sleep fill them with fear. In their panic, they cry out to Him: “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”
Jesus not only rebukes the storm, but also rebukes His disciples with the same authority:
“Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?”
The paradox of this episode is striking: The disciples, who were terrified by the raging waves, are now even more fearful of the calm that Jesus brings. Their fear shifts—from the storm to the mystery of the One who calms it. In this silence, they are confronted with the ultimate question: “Who then is this?”
Spiritual lessons from this event:
(a) “Let us cross to the other side!”
Until now, Jesus had been teaching in parables and explaining them privately to His disciples. But now, He takes the initiative and invites them: “Let us cross over!”
With these words, Jesus breaks the security and comfort of staying on familiar ground. He is not just a teacher of words—He is the Lord who leads His disciples into the unknown.
When our lives feel stagnant, when we feel we are hitting walls in our relationships, work, or faith, we must listen to His voice calling us forward. We are not meant to remain in the safety of the shore—we are invited to journey with Him into the deep.
(b) “Teacher, we are perishing!”
The fear of death is worse than death itself. The fear of tomorrow is often worse than tomorrow itself. The disciples panic because they focus on the waves outside the boat rather than remembering who is inside the boat with them. They see the storm but forget that their Teacher is greater than the waves. They forget that the One who calls them to cross will also bring them to the other side. How often do we forget God’s presence in our past and instead worry about the future?
(c) “Who then is this?”
We live in a noisy world, and sometimes, even silence makes us uncomfortable. For the disciples, the fear of the storm is replaced by the fear of the calm. The moment Jesus restores peace, they are confronted with the deeper question: “Who then is this?” Experiencing God is deeply personal. Each of us must answer this question for ourselves. And in that answer lies the meaning of our lives and our existence.
Faith is holding God’s hand in the unknown
In today’s first reading, the author of Hebrews defines faith: “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Even when the other shore is unseen, God brings it within reach. Holding His hand is faith.
The responsorial psalm (Luke 1) echoes the Song of Zechariah, who praises the Lord for visiting and redeeming His people. During life’s storms, Jesus comes to set us free.
February – a new month, a new journey. As we step into the new month of February, let us respond to His call: Let us set out with Him—to the other side!
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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