Tuesday of the Fourth Week
The first reading paints a picture of abundant life, movement, and nourishment stemming from a source of water flowing from the temple of the Lord. Ezekiel is guided by the angel along the path laid out by the trickle of water, which slowly but steadily grows into a stream, then a river, then opens up into the vast ocean. It is the mixing of the fresh river water and salty ocean water that creates an ecosystem dense with nutrients establishing a sanctuary for all kinds of freshwater and marine animals, plants, and birds. The estuary is a magical place for the diversity of life to live, grow, and prosper, “...fruit trees of every kind shall grow; their leaves shall not fade, nor their fruit fail,”. The perpetual health of this thriving ecosystem brings about the essence of the Garden of Eden.
In addition to this pristine imagery, the symbolism stretches further as the water from the temple not only supports life itself, but brings about products that are life-giving. The fruit from the trees will serve as food for the community, and their leaves will be made into medicine to continue to spread the healing that is made possible from the source of water, which represents the sustenance and life force that comes from a strong foundation of faith. Faith itself is life-giving, and its power to bring communities together against adversity and to heal sorrows and souls is as deep as the river that created the Eden-like environment in the first reading.
Prayer
Lord, may we remember and honor the abundance of your love and the power of faith to heal, sustain, and strengthen our community. Amen.
Vicky Castillo, ’20, MOVE
Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9
Gospel: John 5:1-16
