Water

Water, water, everywhere! Have we had enough? Water is also a highly prevelant theme in both the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. Ezechiel is brought back to the Temple and sees water flowing from under the threshold and trickling from its east side. The initial little stream becomes a large river, so large that swimming was the only way to cross it. These waters flowing from the sanctuary become the source of life in and around them. They are a symbol of the waters of baptism, which gives us new life in God.
The pool of Bethesda in the time of Jesus brought healing to the first person lowered into it after an angel had stirred it up. We remember the story of the man who had been there for 38 years waiting for someone to lower him in.
Lent is a time for catechumens to prepare for the life-giving, healing waters of baptism at the Easter Vigil, but it is also a time for us, the baptized, to take another look at the great gift we have received. Where would we be without the life of God in us? Where would we be without faith, hope and love?
As we enjoy the sunshine today, after this long stretch of clouds and rain, may we take a few moments to relish our baptism, give thanks for it, and ask God to continue to help us appreciate it and live it, rejoicing in the freedom it gives in this life as well as the promise it gives of eternal life on the other side of the river.
Bro. Rene