"Let anyone who is thirsty come.
Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift" (Rev. 22:17)
What does the water of life mean in our lives? For those of us who live in the lakes region of NH, water is part of our everyday experience. It is hard to travel anywhere without seeing lake, stream, pond or marsh. The seasons of the year are evident in these waters of life: from the frozen surfaces of winter hiding fish beneath its protective layer, to the teeming sounds of the spring peepers, to the lush lily pad growth in the summer, and ending with the red and golden color of the grasses and reeds on the banks in the fall.
I wake up each morning looking out on the waters of life in pond on which we are blessed to live. The entire character of my home changes with the pond. In winter, when the pond is frozen and covered with snow, the white expanse dominates my living space. In contrast, with spring ice out, the sun glinting off the now moving water brings reflected and refracted light, brightening my home. On still days, the land and water seem to merge, with the boundary between land and reflected image almost indiscernible. On windy days, the water seems to take on a life of its own, banging against the rocks and sporting wind driven white caps. The water of life outside my door moderates our climate, attracts and waters the wildlife and refreshes us on the hottest of days.
Yet there are times when the waters assume a power of their own. Those who live on the coasts are only too aware of the power of the water--a destructive power which can take everything in its path.
Why is water imagery so important in our faith lives? Water is a gift from God that cleans, heals and refreshes. The power of water also reminds us that there are things more powerful than us. The God who gives the water of life is also with us when the power of water threatens our lives.
Water is at the heart of the gift of baptism. Water is the visible element in this sacrament that binds us to Christ. In the waters of baptism my sinfulness is washed from me and a new me rises to live in Christ. In baptism, the water and Word grant me new life.
"Let anyone who is thirsty take the water of life as a gift." Thanks be to God
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