Thursday Scripture, July 24, 2008

Scripture: Thursdady of 16th week Ordinary Time, July 24, 2008. Jeremiah
2:1-3,7-8,12-13. Psalm 36:6-7,8-9,10-11. Matthew 13:10-17. Lectionary #
398

Water is one of the key words that come to us from the first two
readings, Jeremiah and the Psalm. We then are said to be blessed by Jesus
for what we have seen and heard from him in the Gospel.
Jeremiah's words are important for us: "For my people have committed
two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed
them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water." ( Jeremiah
2:13) The Psalmist then strengthens us with his words, "They feast on the
abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river o your
delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see
light." (Psalm 36:8-9). Jeremiah makes us think about the fact that we
cannot give what we do not have. If we wish to have living water, that is
graces and strengths from the Lord, we need to go to the source not to dry
cisterns that we have made. But the Psalmis encourages us to be confident
that we can go to the source--God. We are to seek refuge in the shadow of
God's wings. Then we will have our fill of gifts and graces and will drink
from delightful streams of God's living waters--which symbolizes the graces
God gives to our thirsting souls. Yes, Lord, you are the source of
life-giving waters.
Jesus then tells us that we are truly blessed when we can look upon
him and hear his voice. Many desire this but are not able to look upon his
face. But we have the virtue of hope that makes us desire this. Jesus
himself has said, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one
who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, 'Out of the
believer's heart shall flow rivers of living water.'" Perhaps, by looking
at Zechariah 14:8 would give us an insight into this saying of Jesus which
took place at the Feast of Booths. Amen.