Living Waters of Creation

River scene

We need to realize the importance that water has for us in life. We say we know that water is important for our survival, yet we take it for granted and do not make a concerted effort to keep it protected, in good supply and pure.

In 2026, the Catholic Church celebrates the Season of Creation, Living Water. “Immersion in Living Water” (Ezekiel 47:9, 12). The global stream of hope is enriched with every act of care for creation. The “Living Water” represents the grace, mercy and love of Christ, that is poured out for Christians from Calvary and the flowing waters that washes away sins.

We remember the gracious gift of the water of life in the bible. “Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’” (John 4:13-14)

Without water, no life is possible. We are beings composed of water; we are living organisms that thrive because of water. We are not just human beings; we are water beings.

Ancient world mythologies have always expressed the belief that there is power in waters, to cleanse, to create life and we were all formed from the waters of creation. In Greek mythology, water is the source of life and the abode of the Gods. In Japanese mythology, water is the purifier that purifies the mind, heart and soul of a human being. In Egyptian mythology, the water of the Nile is the life-giver, it was upon those banks that the great Egyptian civilization flourished for centuries. Rivers were considered to be sacred paths to sacred realms in Native American myths. While in African mythologies, the symbolism of water is that it contained water spirits and deities. In Norse mythology, water symbolized wells of wisdom and fate. In Hindu mythology, water is a living force, The river Ganges is not just a river, but a Goddess, which purifies all those who bathe in her holy waters.

Life is possible in the desert because water is still present. Water is present in frozen wastelands, to make life possible. Water is the ingredient and miracle of life. When sufficient water is consumed a human being can be healthy. Yet, in so many parts of the world, people do not have access to clean drinking water and the result is that humans are still dying of hunger, thirst and starvation.

If water in all its forms suddenly disappears from the face of the Earth, life will come to an end. The waters in rivers are drying up with evaporation due to the intense heat in Europe and America this year. Is this the start of the disappearance of water in the world?

We will always need water. Is this not the time to make a real effort to save water in order to preserve humanity and all creatures of creation?

Saving water is possible. We must begin by praying, hoping and expecting rainfall where there has been no rain over the past few months. We tend to use water, faster than we can replace this nourishing source of life and sustenance.

Water saving measure are presently being implemented in Britain, with the hose-pipe ban. We need to conserve water during this crucial time in our lives.

If we all work together in creating awareness and working earnestly in saving water, we will be able to turn this around and save the water we have. Starting today, save water so that you, your family, friends and every human can have a glass of water tomorrow. Use less water to save water. Fix those leaks and shorten those showers. Start using eco-mode for appliances, swap the watering hose for a bucket or watering can and use a washing up bowl for your dishes, cutlery and utensils. Upgrade your shower head and install a duel flush toilet that can save up to 42 litres of water a day.

Imagine a world where we have clear pure streams of living water flowing, free from contamination and pollution of every kind.

Imagine a world where we are all free from sickness and poverty, due to the benefits of having pure water for every human being, a world where creation is free from all forms of inequalities. This is the season of Creation and we all need to make a commitment to humbly worship and serve all forms of Creation, because we are the living mirrors, breathing souls of our Creator.

Wake up with gratitude in your heart for the day, your life, your family, your work and for all the Creator has shared with you in the world. The Season of Creation is an opportunity for you to be a Creator of good work, healthy living, creating awareness of what we can all do to save Earth’s miraculous living oceans, rivers and streams, as the stewards of Creation and this living, breathing world in which we live.