There is huge importance on freshwater - Photo:bigstock.com
The United Nations World Water Day is celebrated each year on March 22nd, as a day for individuals and organizations to focus on the importance of freshwater, raise awareness about the 2.2 billion people who live without access to safe water, and take action. The UN 2021 UN World Water Day theme is “Valuing Water,” which includes all the environmental, social and cultural aspects of water. It is an opportunity for everyone to learn more about the value of water in all areas of life.
Water is an important symbol in many religious beliefs and practices throughout the world. In our faith tradition, water is the sign of cleansing and new spiritual life in the Sacrament of Baptism. Water is very refreshing, and as well as being essential to our life, people are often soothed by being with water. Many people experience the calming and stilling effects of watching and listening to waves at the beach or taking a dip at a pool or favourite waterway. Even taking our daily wash can be a renewing experience; we feel refreshed, and it is a sign of self-care. At this time of World Water Day, we are invited to reflect upon and give thanks for how water gives us life.
Columban Rev Dr. Charles Rue invites us to name a grace we want to celebrate:
“God wants us and Earth itself to flourish, yielding a hundred fold. To blossom is the reason for our existence. The spirit of God wells up in all creation, making us and all things co-creators in an evolving story. We know this through meditating on the marvels of the physical world in which we move and have our being. Let us remember our calling to respect and love every gift of creation.” (7 days of creation reflection-retreat March 2020)
World Water Day is also a time to remind us that water security is under extreme threat from the world’s growing population, the increasing demands of agriculture and industry, and worsening climate change. Understanding more about the immense value of water underpins our commitment to respect and manage this finite resource. “The water cycle is our most important ecosystem service.” We are invited to learn more about how water mismanagement leads to environmental degradation with impacts on all creation. You can find out more about World Water Day and tune into conversations in real-time about what water means to people around the world Act | World Water Day 2021.
There are many examples around the globe where the lack of clean drinking water and access to sanitation at this time of the global covid-19 pandemic further impacts the health of peoples who already experience unfair disadvantage. The Columban Centre for Advocacy and Outreach in Washington, USA, works for structural change for poor and marginalized populations and is appealing for a just covid-19 recovery that addresses these issues.
We are also aware that the climate crisis is a pressing emergency in our world today, causing more extreme and frequent weather events, heatwaves, rising sea levels, worsening droughts, and floods. Climate change is endangering lives with risks to food security, access to safe drinking water, and damaged homelands and infrastructure, resulting in the forced displacement of peoples. The Pacific Climate Watch – Inter-Congregational Voice on Climate Change network helps raise awareness about the impacts of climate change in the Pacific. The Columban Mission Centre Peace, Ecology and Justice team are members of the Inter-Congregational Voice on Climate Change which has a vital role in education and advocacy. (pdf)
We can take hope in the leadership of many in our world who respond with conviction and invite participation and solidarity as we face these issues. One such recent example was the launching of the National Laudato Si Program by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, which will involve a workshop to be rolled out across all 85 dioceses in the Philippines. Columban Fr John Leydon, who was one of the Global Catholic Climate Movement co-founders in the Philippines, gave a presentation during the launch. It is exciting to hear about this initiative, and hopefully, similar opportunities will be made available worldwide. (feature Kevin O’Neill)
The Feast of St Joseph, protector of the universal church and the human family took place on March 19. Pope Francis has declared a year of St Joseph from December 8, 2020, to December 8, 2021, to commemorate the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. In his 2021 Lenten Resource, St Joseph Worker and Family, Columban Rev Dr Charles Rue reminds us that St Joseph is the benefactor of many causes, including being the patron of the spiritual journey in the midst of changing human trials. In these times of immense turmoil and disruption across our world, this is a timely message for believers. Click here to view Columban online resource: St Joseph the worker
Let us pray:
Loving God, we turn to you in times of trial when the waters of life are stormy and turbulent, and we know that You journey with us and that we are never alone. Please help us be present to the needs and sufferings of one another and support us as we continue to form communities of care to promote and protect peace, justice, and ecology. Shepherd us so that, like St Joseph, we keep making choices in the midst of the realities of life to serve your mission in the world. (cv)
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