The Felician Sisters of North America affirm that access to clean water is a fundamental human right and a necessity for all of God’s created world. Water connects human beings with all of life. Life on Earth, including human life, cannot survive without water.
Reflection: How can we celebrate God’s gift of water and add our voice to those who are acting against water injustice?
The sacredness of water arises from its essential role in sustaining life and its use in cleaning and cleansing. Water connects human beings with all of creation, cultivating a sense of interconnectedness and shared responsibility. It is integral to the Sacrament of Baptism and serves as a symbol of cleansing and purification across many religious traditions.
Our bodies are made up of at least 50% water. Because water is continuously recycled, the glass of water you drink today may contain some of the same water molecules that Jesus once drank.
Practical Actions for This Month:
- Reflect on the line from the Canticle of the Creatures by St. Francis of Assisi: “Praise be You, my Lord, through Sister Water who is useful, humble, precious and pure,” and consider how water may be a symbol of humility.
- Listen and meditate on this 4-minute YouTube video of Mary Oliver’s poem/prayer, At the River Clarion.
- How well do you understand your own water usage? Do you know how to conserve water in your home? Test your knowledge by taking this short quiz put out by the Environmental Protection Agency and find out if you’re a WaterSense novice, expert or genius!
- Learn what is in the tap water in your community. Click here to visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s water quality website. You can also Google water quality for your individual state.
Let’s take at least one intentional step this month to protect the precious gift of water through water conservation, or advocacy to save water rights threatened by human greed.
