March 16th, Tuesday, Fourth Week of Lent

Ezekiel 47: 1-9, 12, Psalm 46: 2-3, 5-6, 8-9, John 5: 1-16

Today’s readings feature many different images of water. In the first reading from Ezekiel, we hear about waters that bring life. The water flows from a river into the sea bringing fresh water so that life will be abundant. In the Psalm reading, there is a reference to waters that rage and foam causing even the mountains to “totter”. In the last reading, we hear about a man who had been ill for many years. He was waiting at a pool called Bethesda for someone to carry him to the healing waters.

In our lives too, we may have times when the waters seem to be raging both figuratively as well as literally. I can think of my own personal examples of raging waters in the form of flooded basements, overflowing showers; and, on the figurative side, raging waters of illness or job loss. It’s amazing though how my personal water experiences have also led to moments of greater perspective. Sometimes it’s good to be reminded that we’re NOT in control of our lives. And, sometimes when we are very focused on the raging waters of our lives, we’re missing the hand of God reaching out to say “Take up your mat and walk.”

Laurie Augustyn-Fier, HR professional, married 22 years to Mark, mother of three children ages 18, 16, and 11.