Water Sacrament and Sustenance Water and life are

Water: Sacrament and Sustenance

Water and life are inseparable.

The sacredness of water is conveyed in Scripture. Creation of the Universe is the first grace, the first revelation of God’s love and goodness.

At the dawn of creation, God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered into a single basin… God called the water ‘the sea’. God saw how good it was. ” (Genesis 1: 9 -10)

In the Baptism of Jesus, water is the element used to symbolize spiritual

ipture, the sacraments, and Catholic tradition clearly indicate the sacred nature of water.

ater nourishes our bodies and souls and is both literally and symbolically e giver of life. Our physical dependence upon water and the graciousness a loving creator is reflected by the centrality of water.

not only in our Catholic tradition; but also in the practices and beliefs of world religions and the spirituality of indigenous peoples.

In Judaism the pouring of clean, fresh, living water, makes manifest a new spiritual life. Cleansing with water consecrates the body and is understood as a preparing oneself for closer communication with God.

The cleansing character and power of water is essential in Islam , as well. Muslims become ritually pure before approaching God in prayer.

Water also has a special place in Hinduism, because of its spiritually cleansing powers as Hindus strive to attain physical and spiritual purity.

For indigenous peoples, water is sacred, offering life and connecting everything in a vast unity celebrated through reverence and gratitude. No other substance on earth carries so profound a spiritual meaning.

From the dawn of creation, all water now in circulation has been here since the planet was first formed, no more, no less.

All life shares the same water, partaking with one another, all that has been and will be.

And so the contamination of water,

or the act of withholding it from anyone is an affront to the sacredness of water

and a deprivation of an intrinsic human right.

Water Facts and Figures Scarcity of Water Fairness of Distribution Water Quality

Global Water Supply

Available Fresh Water Ø 100 liters ½ teaspoon

Water Usage 100 tourists 100 local villagers Water used in Grow rice for 55 days 15 years

Water Quality Every minute of the day somewhere in the world, 10 people die from disease caused by a contaminated water source.

Water Bottling Industry Ø Dry out springs Ø Destroy habitats Ø Devastate ecosystems Ø Drain aquifers

Water for all! A common possession that exists for the good of all and belongs to all

We pray… To Stand in Solidarity Strengthen our Resolve to be attentive to eliminating harmful pollutants: run off from fertilizers, disposal of chemicals into the water supply; and to be vigilant in recycling paper, plastics, glass and aluminum.

We pray… To Stand in Solidarity Strengthen our Resolve to choose one or several means of conserving water: taking shorter showers, avoiding wasteful running of water while rinsing dishes and brushing teeth, doing laundry less frequently and for only full loads of wash.

We pray… To Stand in Solidarity Strengthen our Resolve to refrain from the purchase of bottled water, to collect and re-use water whenever possible for watering plants, gardens, and lawns; to use aerators on faucets and water saving shower heads; to be attentive to the repair of drips and leaks.

We pray… To Stand in Solidarity Strengthen our Resolve to educate ourselves on issues of social justice, ecologic spirituality, global awareness and responsible stewardship of the earth.

We pray… To Stand in Solidarity Strengthen our Resolve to embrace our responsibility for all of creation and cultivate a new appreciation for all God’s natural gifts, proclaiming a hymn of praise in the language of St. Francis of Assisi, to Brother Sun and Sister Moon, to Brother Wind and Sister Water, to Brother Fire and Sister Earth.

Amen! Alleluia!