It is 9th January 2020. The readings are from 1 John 4:11-18 and the Gospel from Mark 6:45-52. God manifests himself in truth and love. Truth and love do not appear in particles but in the integral presence. Life of God is visibly witnessed in the actions of love shown to us to begin with and culminates in the welfare of the others. It is nearly impossible to believe God without loving one another. Fear dominates and haunts our consciences when we have decided not to love anyone except us anymore. Selfish love breeds fear in us while selfless love dispels the shadows of fear. Imperfect love hardens human heart and life. In the first reading St. John teaches firmly, “No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.” (1Jn.4:11). We know God only by loving others sincerely and concretely. Proof of love lies in its action not in words. Loveless life is going to be a stormy life. When we love genuinely, we are prepared to meet the Lord at any point of life without fear, shame and guilt. The responsorial Psalm praises, “Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.” (Ps.71:11). Jesus calms the storm in the life of the apostles and on the sea. Storms are bound to come in a voyage or in a journey. Perfection without purification is not possible. Love alone offers the inner courage to recognise the truth and goodness as it is without any exaggeration or hallucination. Jesus is the total expression of God’s love. Jesus teaches us that after doing good work, we must not linger around looking for praises and approval. We need to move away in order to present ourselves in prayer. Without personal prayer, we cannot continue to serve others. Jesus does not remain idle and watch us suffering by the storm of life. He is there even today in every stormy conditions of our life to assure: “Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.” (Mk.6:50). Instead of looking for answers and healing from our stormy situations of life, we need to surrender ourselves to Jesus. “Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.” (Gal.3:17). May the Lord help us to love one another and to be strengthened by the strings of love and truth with the compass of faith in Jesus. May God bless you to have a peaceful day.