Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Or 184 Blessed Claretian Martyrs
Mark 4: 35-41

Why are you afraid?

On February 1, we honour the 184 Blessed Claretian Martyrs who gave their lives during persecutions in Mexico and Spain. This date also marks the anniversary of the attack against St. Anthony Mary Claret in Holguín, Cuba. The martyrs’ unwavering faith, missionary zeal, and forgiveness of their executioners inspire us to live our vocation with fidelity and love for the Church.

In today’s Gospel (Mk 4:35-41), Jesus calms the storm that threatens to overwhelm the disciples’ boat. Despite his presence, they are consumed by fear and cry out: “Teacher, do you not care if we perish?” (v. 38). Like them, we too experience storms in life—moments of loss, anxiety, or unexpected challenges—that make us feel as though we are sinking. We may question why God seems silent in our struggles, yet the Gospel reminds us of an essential truth: Jesus is always with us.

Even when Jesus appears to be “asleep,” he is present, sharing in our trials and waiting for us to turn to him. His stillness tests and strengthens our faith, calling us to cry out to him in prayer. True discipleship demands more than acknowledging God’s presence—it requires us to actively trust him, to share our fears and struggles with him, and to rely on his guidance.

Faith begins with recognising our dependence on God and acknowledging that we cannot navigate life’s storms alone. Jesus, when approached by the disciples, calms the wind and waves, showing that he is our refuge and strength. His question, “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” (v. 40), challenges us to shift our focus from fear to trust.

In this Jubilee Year, let us renew our commitment to seek the Lord daily, casting our concerns into his loving care. May Mary, who trusted unreservedly in God, inspire us to place our lives in his hands with confidence. As we reflect on the sacrifice of the Blessed Claretian Martyrs, may their intercession strengthen us to persevere in faith, serve with generosity, and be inflamed by the fire of God’s love. Blessed Claretian Martyrs, pray for us!

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025