Courage When the Wind Is Against Us

January 07, 2026 Feast of Saint Raymond Peñafort
Daily Readings: 1 John 4:11-18; Mark 6:45-52

Children of God: here is a fun fact about Saint Raymond Peñafort, whose feast is celebrated today. He descended from a noble family with ties to the royal house of Aragon. He received the Dominican habit at the age of 47. The most famous "fun fact" about Saint Raymond of Peñafort is the legend that he sailed across the Mediterranean Sea on his cloak. According to the story, Raymond was on the island of Majorca with King James I of Aragon, whose lifestyle he had often criticized. When Raymond decided to leave because the king refused to dismiss his mistress, the king forbade any ship captain from taking him back to Barcelona. Trusting in God, Raymond spread his Dominican cloak on the water, tied one corner to his walking staff to serve as a makeshift sail, made the Sign of the Cross, and sailed the approximately 160 miles to Barcelona in just six hours. He arrived with a perfectly dry cloak, and the miracle reportedly moved the king to change his ways.

In the gospel story where Jesus walks on the water, the disciples find themselves in a similar situation. Jesus sends them ahead by boat while He remains behind to pray. Night falls, the wind turns against them, and they struggle to row across the sea (Mark 6:48). They are experienced fishermen, yet their strength and skills are no match for the storm. The darkness and resistance they face reflect moments in life when progress feels slow and exhausting.

Jesus comes to them, walking on the sea, and they are terrified, thinking He is a ghost (Mark 6:49). Fear blinds them from recognizing His presence. Jesus speaks words that cut through the storm: “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid” (Mark 6:50). When He enters the boat, the wind dies down. The miracle is not only that Jesus walks on water, but that His presence restores peace.

In the gospel story where Jesus walks on the water, take note: the disciples were “utterly astounded” because “they had not understood the incident of the loaves” (Mark 6:51–52). Their hearts were still hardened. This is interesting because they just experienced the miracle of the feeding of the 5000. The feeding of the crowd and the calming of the storm are two connected lessons: God provides, God protects, and God remains present even when faith is slow to mature.

Children of God: Like the disciples in the boat, we all face moments when the wind is against us. Faith does not mean the absence of storms; it means trusting that Christ comes toward us even in the dark. When fear rises and strength fails, may we listen again to His words: “Do not be afraid.”