Do we ever reflect on the value of Water in our life? It is like the air we breathe, and is one of the elements of life. Imagine a day, a week, or any length of time without Water. It is the 1st question Astronauts ask when investigating a new Planet. “Has it got water”? It is one of the essences of Life.
It is used as a sacramental in our Liturgies, in our Baptisms, and was used in the story of the rich man and Lazarus, when he asked for Lazarus to dip his finger in water to allay his thirst. Similarly, water was used in the marriage feast of Cana to create a great feast. Some theologians guess it was one of the reasons the Apostles followed Jesus so readily.
The beauty of Nature is seen as a creative force in the natural springs, lakes seas, oceans and the sea-bed which are homes to millions of fish amoebae and fauna. Fresh water is needed for sanitation, to wash, cook, clean, heal wounds, and to irrigate the land, growing flowers, trees, plants and all kinds of food and vegetation. Water is required in cars alongside fuel and oil. We mix it with paints to create a new canvas of culture, and to enjoy relaxation and exercise in swimming pools and water sports.
Do we conserve water, protect it and ensure its purity? There can be overflows, floods and dams which occur whenever there is carelessness in protection. There can be eradication of quality in consumer consumption where bottled water is now a commodity, used by supermarkets and manufacturers, at exorbitant prices. Its purity is no longer guaranteed in natural situations e.g. Lakesides in Cumbria no longer fit for bathing.
Almost three quarters of the world’s surface is covered by water; how long will we conserve, guard and protect it? What of poorer countries where water is at a premium? From taps, wells, from springs, rivers, manmade canals seas, oceans
all are unified in their gravity to the sea-bed.
WHAT A GIFT TO US!
Sr. Sandra Harrington, (Rock Ferry Community)