Saying Yes To LifeSýnishorn

Let the Waters Be Separated

Water is a powerful symbol throughout the Bible. Jewish thinking says that God put his people in a land with no major rivers to help them remember that God was the ultimate provider of water and all their needs.

Water is a truly amazing part of our world and what enables life to exist. Although freshwater covers less than one percent of the earth’s surface, we are utterly dependent on it for our survival, and it provides habitat for about 10 percent of the world’s known species. We are part of a huge hydrological cycle that uses the energy of the sun to create a constant exchange of water between the oceans, the land, and the atmosphere.

But today, water is both in trouble and is causing trouble. Freshwater species have seen an 83% decline since 1970 – in the last fifty years, eight out of every ten freshwater species have been wiped out!

Alongside the impact on biodiversity, lack of access to clean water is one of the biggest issues facing the human population today. Currently, 60% of the world’s population live in areas of water stress, where the amount of water available cannot sustainably meet the demand. This could potentially worsen as global demand for water is predicted to rise to 50% by 2050.

Shortages, however, are not the only water issues that poor communities are facing. Floods have affected more people than any other type of disaster, and drought is becoming an increasing reality for people the world over.

It does not have to be this way. We can make a difference through the actions we take in our lives and in our churches. We can look for opportunities to conserve water in our daily lives, and participate in local initiatives to care for rivers, canals, and so much more.

Today let us marvel at the blessings of water, appreciate its wonder, and commit ourselves to take care of this precious resource that is so vital for life on earth to flourish.

Questions

1. Think about a favourite stretch of water and consider how you might better acknowledge and pay attention to it.

2. How does today’s reflection expand your understanding of this world and its relationship to God?

3. What personal action will you take to look after the world’s precious resource of water and those that depend on it?