One Baptism. Above all, through all, in all.
Wherever the river goes,
Every living creature that swarms will live,
And there will be very many fish, once these waters reach there.
It will become fresh;
And everything will live wherever the river goes.
Ezekiel 47:9
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Wherever the river goes,
Every living creature that swarms will live,
And there will be very many fish, once these waters reach there.
It will become fresh;
And everything will live wherever the river goes.
Ezekiel 47:9
Joseph pushes open the front doors of the church running into sunshine. The after-school program has ended. His homework is complete. His hunger satisfied with a cup of hot soup.
Laughing and playfully engaging his classmates, he looks through the crowd to find his brother and sister. It’s time for the long walk to the Maasai village where his family lives.
Yet one more task awaits him. Joseph finds his mother’s bright yellow plastic water jug and joins the long line of children waiting to fill their own five-gallon container with the fresh water from a newly built well. This source for water was built by the village leaders just outside the front doors of the church within view of the baptismal font standing just inside those same doors – both a sacred source of life.
Joseph carefully places the jug under the faucet. The water feels cool to the touch and not a drop is afforded to be wasted. This is the only fresh water his family of five will have until he brings another jug home the next day. His mother carefully rations the water for cooking, drinking, washing their bodies and with what is left for washing a few clothes.
On the five-kilometer walk home, Joseph’s arms ache from the weight. He sweats under the hot Tanzanian sun. A dry wind blows red dirt into his face. Yet Joseph carries the water jug with pride. He understands, even at his young age, this jug carries a gift –the essence of life.
Breathprayer: Breathing in: Come to the waters…
Breathing out: …for newness of life.
Reflection: When were you most grateful for a glass of fresh water? Who gave it to you? How did you feel when you received it?
This reflection is written for the online Lenten Devotions of the Southeast Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
www.seiasynod.org/lent
photo by Jennie Peakins Photography