We are ALL born of the living waters of Christ.

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Today we hear the good news of the Lord. We are ALL born of the living waters of Christ. Christ pours out his eternal love for all mankind. From Christ flows the river of life, poured out in word and in sacrament. The living waters heal the deepest of our wounds. “To the thirsty I will give a gift from the life-giving waters.” (Rev 21:6) If you are thirsty for the love of God, his water is plentiful. Today’s reading (Ezekiel 47:1-9,12) describes Ezekiel’s vision of the river of life flowing from the temple. This river is our salvation. If we chose, we can join the river and let it carry us to God’s Kingdom of Heaven . The river is healing and renewing. Ezekiel saw much life along the river; “the banks were lined with many trees.” “Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of every kind shall grow; their leaves shall not fade, nor their fruit fail.” As the living waters flow out of the temple, they get deeper and deeper. As we travel along the river of life, our relationship with God should grow deeper and deeper as the river builds. At the head waters of all rivers, the river starts out small and can grow into a mighty waterway. The river of life is the grandest river on earth. As we enter the river, the water is calm and refreshing. But we must venture deeper to be immersed in the water of God. What good is it to have our feet in the water when our hands are not? Today’s Gospel (John 5:1-16) also talks about the healing waters. Jesus meets a man who has been ill for long time and is trying to get into a healing pool of water. Jesus asked him, “Do you want to get well?” The sick man answered that there was no one to help him into the water and while he is on his way to the pool, someone gets there before him. Jesus commands him to “Rise, take your mat, and walk.” Immediately, the sick man was healed. Christ is the living, healing water who cured this man. If we cannot get into the water, we can not be healed. We must want the water of life. The more we experience the water of life, the more committed to God we become. Remember the leaves of the trees that feed on the water of life never fade. We may stumble on our journey, but God is always there to heal us for our fruit will never wither. God is calling us to give into the power of the river, to let the river carry us into deeper water so we can enjoy a fuller relationship with him. I know at times, the river may seem turbulent and uneasy. But it is our lack of trust in the river, our fear of the water that causes the water to become turbulent. As we fight the river, we create unrest. Give into the river for it is life; give into the river for it is everlasting life; give into the river for it is our salvation. Don’t fight the river for the river will carry you to heaven. If you want to get well, you will need to “Rise, take your mat, and walk.” Walk to the water that flows from Christ, the water that gives life to every living creature. A Simple Prayer Jesus, thank you for saving me and setting me on this journey toward heaven. During this season of Lent, help me give into the river, let the river push me into a deeper relationship with you. Yours in Christ Michael Marcon