“To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.” — Revelation 21:6
Lent is a season that invites us to slow down, reflect, and notice God’s presence in our daily lives. One simple but powerful Lenten practice is to pause and witness the beauty of a sunrise or sunset.
Yet today, the gift of water is under threat. Rivers, wetlands, and oceans are polluted by plastic, chemicals, and waste. Many communities around the world still struggle to access clean drinking water. Climate change is also bringing longer droughts and more extreme floods, making water both scarce and unpredictable. When water is damaged or wasted, it is often the poorest and most vulnerable who suffer first.
As people of faith, we are called to treasure and protect the gifts that God has given. Caring for water is an important part of caring for creation and loving our neighbours.
There are many simple ways we can do this in our daily lives. We can reduce water waste by fixing leaking taps, taking shorter showers, and using water wisely in our homes and gardens. We can avoid polluting water by reducing plastic use, disposing of chemicals responsibly, and supporting clean rivers and beaches in our communities. Even small actions, when multiplied across many people, can make a meaningful difference.
Water is sacred in many faith traditions. It is the sign of life in nature and the symbol of new life in baptism. When we treat water with respect, we honour both the Creator and the gift of creation.
This World Water Day, let us pause in gratitude for the water that sustains us. May we commit ourselves to protecting, saving, and keeping water clean, so that all people — and all living creatures — may continue to drink from the springs of life that God has provided.