Scripture:
Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12
John 4:43-54
Reflection:
Water has the ability to be life-giving as well as life-taking! Farmers will tell you just enough rain will produce a bountiful harvest. By the same token, too much rain or too little rain will affect the growing season in a negative way. In the past year we have witnesses massive flooding in many areas of the country and world, often with devastating effects on human and ecological life. In other areas the lack of rain gives way to hardship and loss for those involved.
In the first reading from Ezekiel today we find a picture of life-giving water! Water seems to be flowing in all directions and leaving in its path all sorts of life and beauty! There doesn’t seem to be any part of life, animal, nature and human that does not benefit from this wonderful gift of water! How wonderful!
We have all experienced times of fruitfulness and abundance in our lives. There have also been times of drought and frustrating dryness to be sure! As we move closer to Holy Week and the special celebrations of Triduum leading up to the great feast of Easter, water becomes much more of a focal point.
On Holy Thursday, our parish will be invited to come together to share a soup/bread supper followed by the liturgy during which we will have the opportunity to wash one another’s feet. We will focus not only on being of service to one another, but, also enjoying the cleansing waters shared by each other. It is a special time for all who take part, especially our RCIA candidates and sponsors.
During the Easter Vigil we will invite five catechumens into the life-giving waters of baptism. They have been preparing many months for this great celebration of new life. We look forward in anticipation to celebrating with them along with the other seven candidates whom we will receive into full communion with the Catholic Church on this evening. It is a special time for all who gather for this rite as we renew our baptismal promises and celebrate the newness of life that surrounds us not only within the church proper but outside where the beauty of springtime blossoms abundantly.
As we come to the Easter Season, may we celebrate and give thanks for this life-giving water of faith and love shared by our generous and loving God!!
Theresa Secord is a Pastoral Associate at St. Agnes Parish, Louisville, Kentucky.