John Seven Plus One – Reflection 5/8

A series of Lenten (and Easter) Reflections based on the signs in the Gospel of John by Fr Francis Lim, SJ, every Thursday (except Tuesdays during Holy Week and Easter Week).

The Gospel of John is also known as the Book of Signs. John portrays these signs as works of wonder by Jesus in order for believers to deepen their faith in Jesus. Through these reflections, Fr Francis hopes to bring our parishioners to a deeper personal relationship with Jesus.

Reflections on Jesus Walking on Water

Jesus Walks on Water in John 6:16-21 (30 March)
In the midst of the dark storm in the sea, Jesus comes walking to the disciples struggling in the boat and says to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Who is the Almighty God to me in challenging times? Do I have faith that Jesus walks with me in those times?

Reflection 1
The reflection is beautiful, punctuated with songs and psalms, food for the soul, and thus making the reflection complete.

Behind the beautiful façade is my share of turmoil of life. Like the apostles in the boat, it causes fears and anxieties. Most of the time, one encounters the hiccups in life by one’s low human intelligence and reasoning. One forgets Jesus’s presence easily.

Jesus seems like a ghost because one is so preoccupied with self-thoughts until He calls out. (Be still and know that I am God – Psalm 46:10) He knows. He calls. By focusing on Him, one’s fears and anxieties are deemed insignificant.

Walking on the impossible but it is possible with God.

Then, in a split of moment, one focuses elsewhere. The waters are raging, fears and anxieties set in again.

Like Peter I sink again.

God is merciful. He helps me immediately.

For this Lent, one hopes that one can learn to trust in God and to learn to know His presence always. 

Reflection 2

Who is the Almighty God for me in challenging times?
To me God is my Father; I can turn to Him for my needs just like a child asks for his/her needs! I know I can turn to Him for comfort, care and security. He will bring me out of any storms when I reach out for His hands. He is my Saviour for repentance and reconciliation when I sin. He will lift me up when I fall and help to walk again in my life journey. He is my Healer for He heals even today. He heals me spiritually and physically as I come to Him in faith! He is my friend that I share my problems and I can talk to Him like a friend does! He is my life! I depend totally on Him. Everything I have comes from Him! I am very, very grateful to Him!

What can Jesus do for me right now with His living presence?
He will continue to lead me to walk with Him in my spiritual journey. He will lead me to a deeper relationship with Him as I am open more and more to Him! He will show me in what areas I can serve Him. This is what He wants me to do because He himself said I have come not to be served but to serve!

Reflection 3

#1: Who is the Almighty God for me in challenging times?
He is the one whom I rely on, for He is a loving and ever faithful God – who is all-knowing and in control, knowing that I don’t have control of life except doing my best with the cards I am dealt with in life. Even in situation of slightest hope, I know I just need to hang on with hope while do my part in whatever way I can and just surrender to let Him be God.

Also I may not find answers to all my challenges, but I have learnt that some are just mysteries and just to let go – for I will never understand fully, but yet knowing it will all be okay regardless in His time.

#2: What can Jesus do for me right now with His living presence?
Jesus is a very personal God who journeys with me. He calms my heart and I find peace in Him.

I find the verses in Matthew 14:30-31 where Peter asks Jesus Christ to save him to be very meaningful – I too can call on Jesus to save me, having the faith that He will reach out to save me immediately.

Reflection 4

1. Who is the Almighty God for me in challenging times?
He is my Saviour, my Shelter, my Answer to all problems that I am facing. He will always be there whenever I call for Him.

2. What can Jesus do for me right now with His living presence?
Jesus has changed my heart from a heart of stone into one that has love, care and forgivenes towards others around me. He always reminds me to do good in life by following His example as the Bible tells me so. I always have trust and hope in Him alone and I can feel His presence in me. He comforts me in time of difficulties, He will be a shoulder to cry on. He always answers my prayer. He gives me all the good things in life. He is real. He’s got His own way and time in answering my prayer.

I love you Jesus. Even when sometimes I almost forget you, you never offend and leave me. You even have and still do so many good things for me. Thank you, Jesus, for being with me, and for this life that I have now. Thank you, Jesus.

Reflection 5

The almighty God is my comfort during challenging times.
Jesus gives me comfort and makes me realise and appreciate all the gifts God has given me.
The almighty God is my consolation, comfort, my hope.
Jesus gives me peace.

Read also:
[1/8] Reflections on the Wedding of Cana
[2/8] Reflections on the Healing of the Royal Official’s Son
[3/8] Reflections on the Healing by the Pool of Bethesda
[4/8] Reflections on the Feeding of the Five Thousand
[6/8] Reflections on Healing of the Man Born Blind