Water and Grace

The Revd Julia Baldwin

¹⁴ but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” John 14:4

 Have you ever visited Salisbury Cathedral and experienced their font pictured above? Like an infinity pool its water creates a still mirrored reflection that reveals new and mysterious perspectives on parts of the Cathedral in ways usually unseen. It is also simultaneously still and always moving as the four corners pour forth fountains into the grates below. I find it captivating.

Sitting recently at a socially distanced service of Holy Communion in Salisbury, the noise of the water pouring only became audible as the congregation settled down and the service began. I gradually became aware of the font when everyone had installed themselves in their seats and the hubbub of pre-service chatter had ceased. It reminded me of God’s grace; flowing tirelessly in my life and in the life of the world but so often unnoticed. In that moment I gave thanks to God for my life and for God’s encouragement and life for us all.

It was an audible and visible parable of God’s living water gushing without falter in an even stream and the love of Christ washing the world even when we fail to notice it.  Absolutely present. Utterly reliable. Unfailingly good. A gift to be thankful for. Like the patter of rain in the desert.

Take a moment now to be quiet, to notice how the streams of God’s living water are still and flowing in your own life and in the life of the world at this unusual time. Where is God? Where is Jesus? Where is life? What new perspectives do these shed on the world? Where are the gifts?

We’re called to be channels of this living water in the world – a world which is parched and longs for good news – we’re called to point to the presence and action of God to those around us. So what have you noticed, which thirsty person will you share that with and how?

Image sourced from: https://www.williampye.com/works/salisbury-cathedral-font