Living water

Fiona Reynolds January 09, 2018 0 0

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Mark 1: 4-11

4 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 8 I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’

9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 11 And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’

They say that still waters run deep. And there is, of course, a truth to this. Yet, it is the shallow, turbulent water that I like more: water that has to move itself over and around a rocky bed in a way that burbles and gurgles, making light dance around the edges. It is also good for a body of water to have such movement. This interaction with the air above it oxygenates the water, ensuring it can sustain the plants and animals in its ecosystem.  

Spirit of Life,

We give thanks for water:

cleansing,

renewing,

hydrating,

reviving;

We apologise for polluting it:

plastics,

oils,

fertilisers,

sewage;

We ask for guidance and wisdom, inspiration and self-control,

To protect water from human degradation:

Returning abundant life to rivers and oceans

Bringing clean drinking water to the thirsty and vulnerable.

Amen.