Holy Water

It is the most basic thing.
Without it,
we die.

A living thing,
water,
pure, simple, vital.

There are substitutes,
true, but underneath,
it is what we thirst for,

because

It is the most basic thing.
Without it,
we die.

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About the Poem

Today’s Lenten word is “thirst”, which brings to mind Christ on the cross, crying out that he is thirsty. It also bring to mind how a relationship with God is like a living water that nourishes and refreshes us, how it is is something we all need and crave it, and how often, sadly, we substitute other, less satisfying thing for that spiritual nourishment, and remain eternally, thirsty.

The photograph was taken in Venice, Italy. You can click on it for a larger version.

Tom

About these Lenten Poems

My friend Cathy Benson is on to something. Instead of doing without for Lent, she is doing MORE with a prayer project that is thoughtful and caring.

Giving up something for Lent is a church tradition, not a biblical command. It was designed to get our minds and hearts right as we approach the holy week and Easter. It’s a good spiritual discipline.

But I think a spiritual discipline of doing something more is also a powerful way to prepare our hearts for Easter. The Methodists, through their “Rethink Church” initiative have come up with a photographic way to do this (see below). I am going to add a poem with each image for the lent season to help prepare myself. Feel free to glom on to the idea, visit the blog and read, or share your thoughts and prayers.