Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Wednesday after Epiphany of the Lord, January 7th, 2026

Delivered by Lukitananda and Svara Nirmala from the Parish of Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Makassar, Indoenesia. 1 John 4: 11-18; Rs psalm 72: 1-2.10-11.12-13; Mark 6: 45-52.SEEING THE LORD The title for ourmeditation today is: Seeing the Lord. For people who live in the same time orage as Jesus Christ, seeing God is a very visible reality. Whereas the timeafter Jesus rose and ascended to heaven, it is no longer a vision of Godthrough physical eyes, but with spiritual eyes and faith. For such a strikingdifference, Jesus left us His teachings to strengthen our eyes of faith andspirit, so that when believers experience an encounter and able to see God,they do not use their eyes but their hearts and minds. Meeting God with faithis our experience every day as true believers. The way to see Godusing non-sensory abilities is like the experience of three small children whocelebrated Christmas and New Year in their parents' village, when they were sodelighted being with their grandparents. From the city, the family brought somegifts such as food, coffee, sugar, milk, syrup and many others. Each childoffered a gift to the grandfather and grandmother. The act of offering giftswas truly a happy moment for the whole family. The family from cityexperienced a great joy in a family celebration took place in the villageduring the holidays. They were welcomed so warmly. Families in the village alsoexperienced the same warm atmosphere. Grandparents were so happy to find theirchildren and grandchildren full of joy and cheerfulness. God really blessesthem with all kindness and love. All of them really experienced what we valueas the love of God that works. The events in thisfamily really illustrate that God is love, Deuscaritas est, as mentioned in the first letter of Saint John. The scripturesand the teachings of the Church place great emphasis on love as the wisdom andway of life of every follower of Christ. The Ten Commandments contain only onelaw, which is love for others where God is also loved through others. SaintJohn advises that it is enough to seek and see God by doing love. The way to do love isto be a peacemaker and a promoter of happiness. Jesus who walked on the sea andwas present in the midst of His apostles is a person who gives sense ofcomfort, calm, and peace. He convinces His followers not to be afraid. Our loveshould not cause worry, suspicion or fear. Instead our acts of love must bringjoy, peace and happiness.Let's pray. In the name of the Father... O God, fill us with strong faith, so that we are able to carry out yourwill with joy and hope. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the HolySpirit ... In the name of the Father ...