This passage from Ezekiel speaks of the unrestrained flow of God’s grace as we attempt to live out our faith in everyday life. We cannot live without water or God’s grace.
The image of water flowing from the temple standing high on a hill reminds me of the power of water and what a gift it is. Through water we entered the world. Holy water over our forehead at Baptism marked our initiation into the Christian life. Water as a healer is used in many ways: hot water to sterilize, warm water to soothe and cleanse, cool water to control a fever. There is nothing like chilled water on a hot summer day. Water is a means of recreation: swimming, ice skating. Without water, we would be denied the food we enjoy. Yes! Water is indeed a gift from God.
Let’s use this as a call to express gratitude for the water that is available to us, while at the same time, paying attention to excessive waste of running water. Scientists continue to alert us to the water shortage not only in our own country but throughout the world, thus impacting the food supply.
To paraphrase Ignatius’ question of “what do you desire?”: ask yourself “What am I thirsting for today?
—Pat Schloemer is a member of St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Cincinnati, Ohio, and in her fourth year of service with the Ignatian Lay Volunteer Corps. Pat and Sam Schloemer have been married 54 years, have 4 married children, and 11 grandchildren.