Memorial of St. Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church
June is here, flowers are blooming, and gardens are growing to produce delicious fruits and vegetables in due time. As someone who enjoys working in the dirt, I realize that there are some essentials when planting- good soil, sunshine and water. In today’s readings, we hear about the importance of water in giving and sustaining life. How often do we take this precious gift for granted, and in what ways can we gratefully protect this important resource?
In the first reading, Elijah is praying fervently for rain to relieve the severe drought and famine that has lasted for over 3 years. He asks a scout to go seven times to “look out to the sea” waiting for a sign of rain. Finally, the smallest cloud appears, and Elijah realizes that God has answered his plea. The responsorial psalm celebrates how God’s showers have “prepared the land” and “crowned the year with bounty” through the rain that God sends to the earth. Because of God’s overflowing blessing, the psalmist states that “It is right to praise you in Zion, O God.”
Although these scripture verses were written long ago, we still are dependent on God’s gift of water. How many times through the course of the day do we enjoy this gift? A cool drink, a warm shower to bathe, water to use for cooking- these are just a few ways that we use water for our daily routine. On my service trips to Central America, I recognized that not all people have ready access to clean water. Across the globe and even in our own country, the scarcity of water is becoming more common.
These readings remind me that God has given us the gift of water, and we are called to be mindful of this blessing and thankful. In our gratefulness, I also believe that God asks us to find ways to protect our waters and find ways to share this essential resource with all people. Pope Francis in Laudato Si states, “Access to safe and drinkable water is a basic and universal right, since it is essential to human survival and as such, is a condition for the exercise of other human rights.” This care and protection for water can begin in our homes as we do simple things such as- conserving water by turning off the faucet while brushing our teeth, using water-saving shower heads and taking shorter showers, address leaking pipes and faucets, and using water wisely when watering plants/ garden. We can lessen pollution to our waterways by disposing hazardous materials appropriately (paints, motor oil, etc.), limiting the use of pesticides and fertilizers, reducing plastic consumption (recycle when you are able), and being mindful to not place medications and other items in the toilet, since these become part of our water system.
I often feel that the small changes I make in my daily living do not make a difference, but I recognize if many people become aware and active in protecting and using water wisely then effective benefits can be made. God is so good and the abundant blessing of water in our lives is something that we should enjoy and treasure. Today, spend some time prayerfully considering ways that you can make a difference in using and sharing water-this gift of life.
Loving God, you shower us with many gifts including the gift of water. We are called to follow Jesus by sharing our gifts, so that all people may have what is needed to live. Send your Spirit to guide our thoughts, words and actions, so that we may seek your will for how we use and preserve water in our lives. May we praise you always for your great love and blessing. We pray this in Christ’s name. AMEN
—Marylynn Herchline