By: Bro. Dario T. Tupas, C.Ss.R. | Province of Cebu
I grew up in a rural place where well water gathers all the people in the community. Other people in the nearby barangays will also go to fetch water from our place. Time passed, and people installed a metric water system. Nevertheless, the well water system is still available for everyone. Gradually, it was abandoned and was taken for granted. Last 2021, our place was one of the affected places in Negros Oriental when typhoon Odette washed away the natural resources and took away some lives of the people. There was no electricity and no water supply. However, the once abandoned and taken-for-granted well water gathered everyone as it served the wellspring in those dark moments.
Friends, our readings today lead us back into our wellspring. The prophet Jeremiah uses a powerful metaphor between the shrubs in the desert and the trees planted by water. Shrubs wither under the scorching sun while trees planted by water draw sustenance from the life-giving stream. This leads us to ponder how organisms survive in the desert? In the same way, in our human experience, how do we face trying times? Others trust in wealth and power, but these unreliable wellsprings show dependence and an indication of vulnerability. However, Jeremiah describes those who trust the Lord as trees planted by water and have great wellsprings. They are resilient, flourishing even in challenging times, and bearing fruit for the benefit of others. This re-echoes Saint Luke's gospel message for us today by presenting contrasting stories highlighting the importance of finding our wellspring of security and fulfillment. The rich man lived a life of luxury, focusing solely on his comfort and pleasures. He completely ignored Lazarus, a poor man at his gate, begging for scraps. We must learn the painful lesson of not sharing our wellspring's love with others when we ignore and take it for granted.
Friends, we have our fair share of trying times. We have our unique battles. We navigate in our own way, especially when life seems dry and empty. We bounce back when we realize we have neglected or taken ourselves and others for granted. Nevertheless, let us not lose sight of grace when this dryness and emptiness is at hand.
Today, and this Season of Lent, we are called to acknowledge how we may have fallen short in our trust in God and our compassion for others. Lent is an opportune moment to reevaluate the condition of our hearts and redirect our roots toward the life-giving waters of God's love and mercy. We are all invited to come into our wellspring by allowing our roots of faith to penetrate our repentance and humility.
Friends, how is your wellspring of life now? What is there inside your wellspring?
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