Wherever the river flows, every sort of living creature that can multiply shall live, and there shall be abundant fish, for wherever this water comes the sea shall be made fresh. Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of every kind shall grow; their leaves shall not fade, nor their fruit fail. Every month they shall bear fresh fruit, for they shall be watered by the flow from the sanctuary. Their fruit shall serve for food, and their leaves for medicine. (Ez 47:1-9, 12)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032922.cfm
Even before the time of Saint Hilary of Poitiers (310-367) and his commentary on the Psalms, the church has seen the image of the river as a symbol of baptism—a wonderful reminder as we prepare to renew our baptismal vows at Easter when we will joyfully sing, Vidi Aquam, I Saw Water Flowing. We pray for the rebirth of Ukraine.
These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Tuesday, Week IV, Lent
