Water for Sustainable Development

World Water Day is Sunday March 22, 2015. Let us consider water as found in the Bible and in modern times.

In Scripture there are approximately 722 references to water.  The first mention of water in scripture is found in Genesis 1:2 and the last mention is found in Revelation 22:17.

Here are some random references:

• Water refers to physical to natural birth/life: Genesis 1:20 "Let the waters team with living creatures."
• Water was cleansing and a sign of discipleship: John 13:8 "Jesus said, If I do not wash you, you can have nothing in common with me."
• Water was an entrance to eternal life: John 4:14 "Jesus says, The water that I shall give will turn into s spring inside him, welling up to eternal life."
• Water is life and is free: Rev. 22:17 "The Spirit and the Bride say, Come. Let everyone who listens answer, Come. Let all who are thirsty come: all who want it may have the water of life, and have it free."

Here are some random references:

• Water refers to physical to natural birth/life: Genesis 1:20 "Let the waters team with living creatures."
• Water was cleansing and a sign of discipleship: John 13:8 "Jesus said, If I do not wash you, you can have nothing in common with me."
• Water was an entrance to eternal life: John 4:14 "Jesus says, The water that I shall give will turn into s spring inside him, welling up to eternal life."
• Water is life and is free: Rev. 22:17 "The Spirit and the Bride say, Come. Let everyone who listens answer, Come. Let all who are thirsty come: all who want it may have the water of life, and have it free."

Para-liturgy - Let the Winter Go!

Leader: This has been a hard and long winter for many: more ice and slush, less warmth; more wind and snow, less sun; a time for more hibernation and less community. A thaw and a green world must be around the bend!

Pay attention to spring renewal: days growing longer, daffodils peeking out from Earth, and birds returning to singing. Say goodbye to winter and welcome spring! 

All: Go Winter Go

Leader: Depart from our lives, deadening spirit of winter.

All: Go, winter, go!

Leader: Be gone, all slippery ice, slushy sleet, dangerous snow, and piercing winds.

All: Go, winter, go!

Leader: Be gone, all ice, sleet, and cold in our personal lives: snide remarks, judgmental statements, cruel jokes, nasty gossip, untruthful comments, fear, anger, jealousy.

All: Go, winter, go!

Leader: Be gone, times of loneliness and harshness.

All: Go, winter, go!

Leader: Hear our prayer and go, O Spirit of Winter. Depart from our neighborhoods and from our lives for another year.

All: Be gone. winter. Be gone.

Reflection

Winter and spring represent seasons of our lives.
What of this winter do I want to hold on to?
What do I need to let go?
What is the springtime for which I hope?
What changes do I need to make to live into spring?

Prayer to Welcome Spring

Source of Life, Divine Providence,
One who brings forth crocuses and daffodils,
Praise to you for blessing Earth with beauty.
Renew us with flowing water, blooming flowers,
Singing birds and spring light.
 
May I notice the renewal of Earth.
May my eyes open to new life peeking out of the soil.
May my ears hear the singing birds.
May my feet touch Earth gently.
May I return blessings to Earth, sea, and sky.
 
May Earth be renewed.
May waters be clean.
May air be pure.
May we be whole.
May all be well again.
Amen. Blessed be. Let it be so.

Take Action to Renew Earth

Let go of fear, anger, jealousy, judgmental statements, and negativity. Welcome friendship.

• Notice spring alive in your neighborhood − flowers blooming, birds nesting, children playing. 
• Clean up litter in your community.
• Buy foods grown locally when possible and eat lower on the food chain.
• Reduce – energy, trips in cars, trash by recycling and composting, use cloth bags for shopping, use cloth napkins instead of paper, buy secondhand clothes, and donate used items.
• Plant − an herb, vegetable, flower, kindness.
• Spring clean – store seasonal clothes, check appliances, remove clutter, wash windows, get outdoor patios and decks ready for entertaining, renew yourself.
• Cultivate a mindset of thanks.

(Thanks to Diann L. Neu)