March 12/Second Thursday of Lent
He is like a tree planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season, and whose leaves never fade. ~ Ps 1.3
Having grown up in a coastal city, I have often experienced the presence of God by the water. The powerful swells that form far out in the ocean; the froth-flecked waves that crash, one after another, upon the shoreline; the current that bears all with it — all these reflect the boundless power and range of their creator. Even the quieter tidal movements of the harbor waters beside which my husband and I regularly walk mirror, to me, the deep, flowing currents of the life of faith. I am not alone: since ancient times, places of prayer have been situated near bodies of water. In Psalm 137, the exiled people of Israel sat down and wept by the rivers of Babylon; in Acts 16, Paul descends to the river to pray outside the city gates of Philippi. And in today’s psalm, the spirit of the law-abiding believer is nourished and watered by his love for God. Rooted by the running water that gives life, his faith blossoms and lasts. If we, like the psalmist, set down roots near that flowing, vital water that is God, we will be shielded from the heat and dryness that may beset us at times. But it is not enough simply to plant ourselves: we must allow our roots to stretch out towards God, towards the abundant stream of his love, and not keep ourselves bound up in a root ball or confined in a burlap bag. If we can stay connected to the living water, we will become all that God wants us to be, and we will become fruitful bearers of his love.
Almighty God, Grant me the wisdom to plant myself near your life-giving water, and nourish my faith forever. Amen.
To hear Alison Krauss sing “Down to the River to Pray,” click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSif77IVQdY
For today’s readings, click here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031220.cfm
