Water is life. From the waters that cradle us in our mother’s womb, to the water that sustains our bodies, to the waters of baptism, water is woven deeply into the story of creation and our own lives. It sustains our bodies and, often, nourishes our spirits as well. Water is also a powerful symbol across cultures and faith traditions. Pick up almost any religious text and you are likely to find a reference to water. Enjoy these reflections from Scripture and from four major world religions as we consider the sacredness of water and its importance to humans and to all of creation.
Reflection 1: The Sacredness of Water
by Hallie Stelzle
This chapter offers a reflection on water and its value in our everyday lives from both a physical and spiritual perspective, drawing from various religious perspectives. It was written by a college student with interests in environmental and social justice.
“Pick up any religious text and you are likely to find at least one reference to water. Whether it is used to cleanse, bathe, heal, restore, replenish, or purify, water is one of the most prolific symbols in major world religions, stretching through time, place, and culture. As human beings, this may come as no surprise seeing how our bodies are composed mostly of water, and we rely on it for our very survival – a truth that continues to become more resonant as the effects of climate change take hold in the forms of drought, rising temperatures, and natural disasters. Like many religious symbols, water appears in scripture, ritual and tradition through its simplicity and use in everyday life.
In examining a variety of major world religions, namely Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Christianity, connections between water as a common resource, and water as a sacred and holy gift become apparent. Drawing from these unique and similar understandings of water, we can begin to consider the spiritual motivations one might have in engaging in water conservation efforts. Furthermore, in exploring these religions specifically, we can identify some beliefs about water that may provide helpful wisdom in the face of more rational conversations surrounding water conservation. Because these religions have such strong relationships with water and large followings worldwide, there is hope that these connections between scripture and our contemporary crisis may be brought to life to move toward a more secure and just future.” (Finishing reading the chapter here) https://ohiostate.pressbooks.pub/enr3470studentbook/chapter/the-sacredness-of-water-2/
Source: Emerging Perspectives on Religion and Environmental Values in America; The Ohio State University, Press Books.
Question for Reflections or Sharing:
- Reflect on your spiritual experiences with water. What role does water play in your spiritual tradition more broadly and in your spiritual life in particular?
- How does this essay grow your understanding of the connections between water, faith traditions, and sustainability?
“We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone… and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one’s life and all the weavings of individual threads form one to another that creates something.”
Sandra Day O’Connor, Attorney and former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
Reflection 2: Let the Scripture Flow
Read and sit with these scripture passages, allowing the images of water and trees to guide a reflection on your relationship with creation.
Ezekiel 47: 9, 12 (NRSVCE)
“Wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish, once these waters reach there. It will become fresh; and everything will live where the river goes. […] On the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.”
Revelation 22: 1–2 (NABRE)
“Then the angel showed me the river of life-giving water, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of its street. On either side of the river grew the tree of life that produces fruit twelve times a year, once each month; the leaves of the trees serve as medicine for the nations.”
Questions for Reflections or Sharing:
- Both passages depict complex, interconnected ecosystems. Can you think of and hold in appreciation a few creatures that depend on one another for survival?
- What practical actions can we take this week to protect the River of Life and the Tree of Life?
- If the leaves of God’s tree are meant for “medicine for the nations,” how can your personal lifestyle choices serve as a form of healing for all of creation?
Resources thoughtfully compiled by the DSGR Promoter of Study Committee
View additional reflections on water
Living Water — Water can be a source of renewal, healing, and connection with God. This week, take some time to notice your own relationship with water and the ways it may be inviting you to slow down, let go, and be renewed.
Week 1 — https://www.grdominicans.org/season-of-creation-reflections-week-1/
Week 2 — https://www.grdominicans.org/season-of-creation-reflection-week-2/
Week 3 — https://www.grdominicans.org/season-of-creation-reflection-week-3/
Week 4 — https://www.grdominicans.org/season-of-creation-week-4-reflection/
Week 5 — https://www.grdominicans.org/season-of-creation-week-5-reflection/
