Sunday’s Reflection: God gives us life, and the water pouring from the rock in the passage from Exodus is a life-giving gift from God to a thirsty people and a loving symbol of presence and salvation. There is a lesson in this story of trusting God and His saving plan and that God’s presence is indeed life.

We all need water for life. How can you play your part in helping our world where thirst and drought are being experienced more frequently and are more extreme as a result of climate change? How can you practically reflect God’s presence and love?

In the Parable of the two sons in Matthew 21: 29-32, we see what matters to Jesus to enter the Kingdom of God is the integrity of people’s actions over empty words. This is an invitation to put into practice actions that care for people and God’s planet, putting first the interests of others. Empty promises and good intentions are worse than useless. There is an urgency to act.

James 1:22 makes a similar point, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” 

As we saw in Philippians 2, we are to imitate Christ’s humility and prioritise the interests of others.

Where might God be nudging and challenging you as you look at yourself and our exploration of creation justice? What are you going to do about it?
           As we approach the end of the Season of Creation for the year, take time to respond creatively in your prayers, praise to God for mapping the change you want to see in your life and that of your community. Share your progress in the Season of Creation with families, friends and social media.

Prayer: Gracious God, you provide us with living water in abundance for all to share. Nourish us with this abundance, so that we may be streams of living water to those who thirst for you; through Jesus Christ, the rock of our salvation. Amen. (Propers Working Group)