Moving Forward - 5 February 2025

WEDNESDAY, February 5, The Martyrs of Japan, 1597/Agatha of Sicily

Mark 8:21 Then he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”

Apparently, Jesus did have his limits, and this day was one of them. On other occasions when the disciples are slow to catch on, Jesus appears to exercise divine patience. But not this time. On this day, Jesus lets his irritation show.

After he tells them their eyes aren’t seeing, their ears aren’t hearing, and their minds aren’t remembering, Jesus walks them through some third-grade math, reminding them of the many baskets full of bread left over after he fed the crowds. But the disciples still don’t get it. They don’t understand, even though they have God, very literally in the flesh, sitting right there with them in the boat.

I forget God’s power, too, sometimes. When I’m watching the news on my screens, hearing of devastation in my friends’ lives, or providing care for a relative, I can feel overwhelmed and adrift. I find hope, though, in two simple words from today’s scripture lesson: “Not yet.” Jesus hasn’t and will not give up on any of his disciples, not back then in the boat and not today, with us.

MOVING FORWARD: When you struggle to see God in the midst of a difficult situation, remember the two words from Jesus: “Not yet.” 

PRAY for the Diocese of Los Angeles (The Episcopal Church)

Psalm 72 * Psalm 119: Yodh, Psalm 119: Kaph, Psalm 119: Lamedh | Isa. 54:1-10[11-17] | Gal. 4:21-31 | Mark 8:11-26

(Source: Forward Day by Day Movement)