Gospel in Art: The disciples saw Jesus walking on the lake

Christ in Maori Cloak, walking on the Water of Lake Rotorua. St Faith Anglican Church, by Lake Rotorua Ohinemutu, Rotorua, New Zealand © Alamy

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 22 April 2023
John 6:16-21

In the evening the disciples went down to the shore of the lake and got into a boat to make for Capernaum on the other side of the lake. It was getting dark by now and Jesus had still not rejoined them. The wind was strong, and the sea was getting rough. They had rowed three or four miles when they saw Jesus walking on the lake and coming towards the boat. This frightened them, but he said, 'It is I. Do not be afraid.' They were for taking him into the boat, but in no time it reached the shore at the place they were making for.

Reflection on the church window

Our artwork is a sanded and engraved church window of Christ in a Maori cloak. When viewing the window it leaves the impression that Christ is walking on the lake. A simple, yet very effective use of window creativity. The church is in the Maori village of Ohinemutu. This place is home to the Ngati Whakaue tribe. The location was chosen for its lakeside setting and geothermal energy setting which was used for cooking, bathing and heating.

We are told in today's Gospel reading how the disciples saw Jesus walking on the lake and coming towards their boat. It is a lovely image to think that we all sail in our little boats towards various destinations, but wherever we set sail for, Jesus is always coming towards us. We depend on him especially when the wind is blowing against us and the waters are getting stormy.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-6-16-21-2023/