Healing Waters

Good Afternoon, dear reader. A little late with this today, but better late than never! Today we look at the healing powers of water. We all know that without water, we will perish. Water nourishes our body as well as flushing out harmful things in our systems. We know that all living things require water for life. Water IS life. And that's why water is mentioned throughout the Bible. 

We see stark contrasts of what happens when there is too much water or too little. There are floods, unending rain, streams, rivers, oceans... We also see what happens when there isn't enough water. Things dry up, fade away, die off, unending thirst. We cross ourselves with holy water when we enter church, a priest may spread holy water as he proceeds up the aisles, blessing us as he goes. When we are baptised, we are either submerged briefly in water or it is poured over us. It's amazing how something so simple is so important. 

Water can also be the symbol of God's word. His word quenches our thirst and renews our spirit. It gives us peace and reassurance. Water is also seen as a symbol of Jesus and His unending love and ability to heal. In John's Gospel, we see the man who had been ill for thirty eight years. He had no one to carry him to the water to be healed. But Jesus said to the man "Rise, take up your mat and walk" (John 5:8, NAB). The man stood up and realized he had been healed. The man realized that Jesus WAS the water he needed. He believed, he listened and he was healed. If we look further on in John's Gospel, we see Jesus likening Himself to water, "Let anyone who thirsts come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture says, 'Rivers of living water will flow from within him.'" (John 7:37-38, NAB). I could go on and on. But, you get the point. 

Water is a powerful symbol. Never underestimate its power. Pour it out, drink it, wash in it, be blessed by it. The next time you get a glass of water, or a bottle of water, hold it for a moment, really look at it. Remind yourself of its importance to life. And be reminded of Jesus. Be thankful for all of it. And, as always, dear reader...be a nice human. 😇

Father Bill's reflection on today's readings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezPWTLZ4KFU