LIKE A RIVER
“Wherever
the river flows, swarms of creatures will live in it; fish will be
plentiful and the sea water will become fresh.” Wherever it flows, life
will abound.” – Ezekiel 47:9
All the ancient civilizations around the world had one thing in common.
They thrived along the banks of a great river. The Egyptians had the
Nile while Mesopotamia had the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.
The rajahs of Manila had the once mighty Pasig River. The clear flowing
waters with lush foliage, where people bathed and took leisure rides in
bancas, inspired beautiful literature, art and music. But years of
abuse, neglect and irresponsible commerce caused its decay. Now its
murky water is unable to sustain life. Gone are the strollers along its
banks as passersby cover their noses due to the stench.
I liken us to a river. When we naturally flow where God leads us, our
life is happy and abundant. When we keep our body, mind and soul clean,
we exude joy that makes people gravitate towards us. But when we submit
to bad influences and take on garbage, we destroy our life.
God is good and merciful. Through the sacrament of confession, He makes
us clean again to start a new life. This is so much easier than the
gargantuan task of rehabilitating the Pasig River. Marie Franco (mariefranco_pie@yahoo.com)
Reflection: Is your life like a dead river that needs rehabilitating?
Dear God, forgive us for all the things we do that slowly destroy our life. Remain with us as we seek the path of redemption.
St. Benignus, pray for us.
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