THE WATERS OF SALVATION
In
the Philippines, water may not always evoke images of cleansing and
purification, of thirst-quenching and life, of pleasantness and delight.
For many, even slight rains will trigger traumatic memories of the
strongest and deadliest typhoon ever to hit the country, the super
typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) of November 8, 2013. The fury of a raging storm
causes harm and destruction. Notwithstanding such adverse images,
though, water does have its positive qualities.
Both our readings today from the prophet Ezekiel and the Gospel of John
contain references to water, specifically to the waters of the
Jerusalem Temple (the Pool of Bethesda, in the case of the Gospel). The
First Reading is a description of the future Temple, with plenteous
flowing water and fertile abundance. The Gospel mentions the popular
belief concerning the healing waters of the Pool of Bethesda, where “a
large number of ill, blind, lame, and crippled” lay in its five
porticoes.
Unfortunately, the account of Jesus’ cure of a sick man there ends on a
sad note: “The Jews began to persecute Jesus...” — all because they
accused Him of violating the Sabbath.
We, too, have been saved and cleansed by the grace-filled waters of
baptism. But sadly, we often violate our baptismal status as children of
God with every sin we commit. It is like exchanging the life-giving and
purifying qualities of water for the ones of destruction and damage.
That being so, let us allow the waters of God’s grace to wash away and
even destroy all that is not in keeping with His commands. Let us also
allow such waters to quench our life’s thirsts, and nourish and
replenish us as well, as we struggle through our moments of weakness. Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB
REFLECTION QUESTION: Where do you go to satisfy your life’s thirsts and to refresh your tired spirit?
You
alone can quench my thirst, O Lord. Help me to always remember to go to
You when I am in need of the life-giving water that You offer.
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