Today is the start of National Water Week. Now I am sure you know that nearly 97% of all the world’s water is salty, or otherwise undrinkable. Another 2% is locked in ice caps and glaciers. That leaves only 1% for all of our needs! And 70% of that is used for irrigation and 20% used by industry—so we are left with about 0.1% of the world’s water for us to actually drink. Making fresh, drinkable water a very precious resource!
We live on the driest continent on the planet that is likely to become more and more drought-stricken due to severe climate change. For example Africa’s Lake Chad, once a landmark for astronauts circling the earth, is now difficult for them to locate. The lake has shrunk 96% in 40 years. Closer to home, we only need to think back to Beaufort West that ran out of water in December.
Jesus asked a woman for a drink in Samaria and for a moment it was touch and go whether he would have his thirst met. Later on the Cross, amongst his final words he cried out was, “I thirst”. This will certainly be the cry of our century if we do not use water much more sparingly, as well as begin harvesting rainwater and the like.
Please consider making this part of our Lenten journey towards the “Cross of thirst”. Alan.
