Lenten Reflection: 24
Jesus as the Bridge over Troubled Water
“Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:22-33)
What is troubling you these days? Obviously, Coronavirus! It is scary, spreading fast, currently with no vaccine or preventive treatment and causing unimaginable deaths. Plus, we notice more, hear more, read more, presented in a threatening way on media. Under the circumstance, we are frightened. We are now reacting to uncertainty and unpredictability with fear. Panic-buying of toilet paper? Toilet paper does not offer protection against the virus. So, why are people buying up rolls more quickly than they need? 
 
We are all surrounded with all kinds of troubles, the death of a loved one, our own death, loneliness, depression or family issues. Who wouldn’t be troubled? How couldn’t we? However, it’s crucial not to let panic take over us but to let God work for us in a way much greater than the threat the virus poses. Jesus says, “Don’t be troubled; don’t be afraid; don’t be anxious; don’t be shattered.”
 
We want to be safe, calm, and comfortable. Jesus didn’t rely on safety and serenity. Instead, Jesus walked over the troubled water in the very midst of the storm, through the wind, and in the darkness. Initially, the disciples felt that they were abandoned in the open sea, the darkness, the waves, and the wind, but Jesus showed up in the eye of the storm. Every time we cry out in fear, Jesus comes to us saying, “Take heart, it is I, do not be afraid.“
 
Obviously, we have to take responsible actions to care for ourselves: self-isolating and monitoring our temperatures if we get sick; washing our hands regularly with soap and water; and staying away from large gatherings. But that is not all. People need to be loved. People are struggling in the turbulent seas of life. As Jesus comes to us, we go to care for others. For, the best way to help us through rough times is to help others. 
 
You all knew that once I was walking over troubled water, the storm of life. At that time an unknown person sent me a check, saying she was a neighbor, a parent of Kori’s high school friend. She just wanted me to know her family was with us. Some people brought food and put in it front of the door. Others comforted us with loving notes, cards, flowers, and comforted us with hugs and prayers. Jesus came to me in the midst of the storm in the form of my neighbors.
 
A stay-in-the-boat-faith (UMCW, the community of faith) knows that Christ is always coming to us. We are never abandoned. Christ is stronger than any storm of life that comes our way. Jesus will be our bridge over troubled waters if we just call on His name.   Jesus lay down his life for us over the troubled water of our life, to comfort us all.
 
Reflection:  
Listen to one of the most comforting songs of Simon and Garfunkel: Bridge over Troubled Water. Imagine the “Jesus of All Comfort” speaking these words to us today.
 
The Bridge Over Troubled Water
 
When you’re weary, feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them all
I’m on your side when times get rough
And friends just can’t be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
When you’re down and out
When you’re on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you
I’ll take your part
When darkness comes and pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Pastor Seok-Hwan
A Daily Prayer  during this COVID-19 crisis from the New England Conference ( http://neumc-email.brtapp.com/viewemail/2543076 )


 Schedule of services subject to change depending on restrictions and safety due to the coronavirus.

Palm Sunday Service: April 5 at 9:30 AM
Holy Thursday Service: April 9 at 7:30 PM
Good Friday Service: April 10 at 7:30 PM

Easter Sunday Services: April 12
7:00 AM (Sunrise Service), 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM