The Pope Reflection

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This month Pope Leo invites us to pray for a just and sustainable management of water, a vital resource, so that everyone may have equal access to it.

The overpowering majesty of nature can sometimes mask its fragile vulnerability… Each one of us depends upon an intricate web of life which is held together by water… It is our responsibility to care for this precious resource so that all might continue to receive life…

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Jeremiah paints an image of a tree planted by flowing water… Notice how he sees in the fragile interdependence between the two a reflection of our relationship with God…

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Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.

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In this image the roots of the tree hold the banks of the river firm… and the flowing water sustains the life of the tree… Even when drought comes the stream still flows, and the tree still bears fruit… As you contemplate the interdependence of nature, can you become more aware of your own dependence upon water for your life…?

It may help to look back over the past day just to notice where a lack of water has left you feeling dry, or tired, or hoarse … and then to reflect on where water has cooled you, where water has soothed you, or where water has quenched your thirst… What would your life be without free access to water...?

As you examine your own use of water, turn your attention to those who are deprived of this precious resource… who have no access to clean drinking water… or who live in regions stricken by drought… Are there practical ways in which you could reduce your water usage, or bring relief to those who are going thirsty today…?

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Spend some time now in the presence of God, treasuring the precious resource of water in your life, and asking to know how to care for it, so that all may take their rightful share in it… Allow God to notice the thoughts, feelings and images evoked by this prayer, and become aware of how God is responding to you as they rise to the surface…

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We end this meditation with the Pope’s offering prayer, which you are invited to make your own:

Good Father, I know you are with me. Here I am on this new day. Place my heart once more next to the Heart of your Son Jesus, who is giving himself for me and who comes to me in the Eucharist. May your Holy Spirit make me his friend and apostle, available for his mission of compassion. I place in your hands my joys and hopes, my works and sufferings, everything that I am and have, in communion with my brothers and sisters of this Worldwide Prayer Network. With Mary, I offer you my day for the mission of the Church and for the prayer intentions of the Pope and my Bishop for this month. Amen