Monday of the 4th Week of Lent
Isa 65:17-21
Jn 4:43-54
I create new heavens and a new earth, and the past will not be remembered.
As I revisit my archive of reflections, I realize that I wrote about these exact readings back in 2018, when I was wrestling with whether to continue in ministry. It was a time of deep struggle—wondering if my gifts were being fully utilized, if I was called to something different, or if it was time to move on. Fast forward to today, and I see how my journey has, indeed, moved forward. I eventually left that ministry in the midst of COVID-19, and life took a new direction.
In today’s first reading, Isaiah tells us that God creates new heavens and a new earth, where the past will not be remembered nor come to mind. Looking back, I see how true this is. What once felt like an agonizing decision is now a distant memory, overshadowed by the grace of new beginnings. Even when I hesitated, God was already calling me forward.
In many ways, my faith journey mirrors a pilgrimage like the Camino de Santiago. When walking the Camino, we move through towns and landscapes, each step bringing us somewhere new. We do not turn back; we embrace what lies ahead. Similarly, I had to move on from that ministry, even when it felt uncertain. And in doing so, I found new ways to live out my faith.
My current spiritual life may not be as intense or structured as before, but it is no less meaningful. I now serve in my church choir on Sunday mornings, offering my voice in worship and prayer. And beyond the church walls, I live out my vocation as a student counsellor, journeying with individuals from all walks of life. In every session, I see how God continues to use me—not in the same way as before, but in a way that fits this season of my life.
Today’s Gospel of John recounts the story of a royal official who seeks Jesus’ help to heal his son. He believes in Jesus’ word, even before seeing the miracle unfold. This reminds me that faith is about trusting God’s plan, even when we do not yet see the full picture. When I left my old ministry, I had no idea what lay ahead. But now, standing in this new phase of life, I see that God has been leading me all along—and continues to lead me into the unknown.
Yes, it can be scary. And to be honest, now that I am not as active in a church ministry, I sometimes struggle with feeling too secular. But God continually reassures me that He is ever-present in what I do, in every step of my journey.
He reveals Himself in the parents of my teenage clients—parents who are Christians, worn down by life, feeling exhausted and at their wits’ end. They are deeply grateful that the Lord has arranged for our paths to cross. For me, I often feel nervous before a therapy session—what if I’m not good enough? What if the children refuse to speak? But in those moments, I remember that it is not about me. The Lord takes the lead, guiding me as I listen, as I hold space for their struggles. And in that realization, I find peace—knowing that it is not about my ability, but about how the Lord chooses to work through me.
Just as the past no longer defines me, I trust that God continues to create something new in my life. He calls me forward, and I choose to follow.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Geraldine Nah)
Prayer: Lord, help me to trust in Your plan, even when the path ahead is uncertain. Guide my steps and give me the courage to follow where You lead. May I be a vessel of Your love and wisdom in my work and in my daily life.
Thanksgiving: Thank You, Lord, for always being present in my journey. Thank You for the ways You guide me, even when I do not fully understand. I am grateful for the opportunities to serve others and for the grace to walk in faith.
OXYGEN 
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