thoughts on the news of the day: water

hmmm…..

            Water containing levels 10 million times higher than normal was discovered in Japan’s stricken nuclear complex today.  Emergency workers fled the troubled reactor after discovering the contaminated water.  How long the workers were exposed to the highly radioactive water was not immediately known.  And it wasn’t immediately clear how long the levels had been that high.  In addition, there are now safety concerns about the water in Japan.  Radiation has been found in seawater and even tap water in Tokyo.

            Water is a life giving element. The human body can only survive a few days without the benefits of water.  Spiritually it symbolizes cleanliness, restoration and new life.  Jesus was baptized in the waters of the Jordan River by St John the Baptist and this began his unique ministry to the world. 

            Today during our worship service, we are baptizing a young boy who is eager to join with us in faith.  As is our Presbyterian tradition, we will sprinkle a few drops of water on him rather than immersing him in a tank which is the practice of many other denominations.  We do immerse if the candidate requests it, it is just not our general way of doing it.  The primary action does require water, though – the life giving source and the element of the sacrament.

            It’s easy to take fresh water for granted until something like a nuclear disaster occurs.  I am grateful today for clean water – water that can renew and restore both physically and spiritually – a source of Life.

            hmmm…..