2 Kings 2:20-21 He said, "Bring me a bowl of water, and put salt in it," So they brought it to him. Then he went to the spring of water and threw salt in it and said, "Thus says the Lord, I have healed the water...."

Ancient rituals of baptism recall this even older rite of purification performed by the prophet Elisha - by casting salt over the springs of water, Elisha calls upon God to "heal" the water. The images brought together here, purifying salt and life-giving springs of water, resonate through the pages of Scripture and call us to attend to our Christian vov=cation both spiritually and materially. What "bad water" might we be called to help purify? Or where can we see potential to make the land fruitful once more?

We may also be reminded of the literal and very real challenge of polluted and deadly waterways all over the world. Many people worldwide, especially poor and marginalized people, experience difficulty accessing clean and safe water. "Casting salt" over these waters and over future waters requires attending to creation and the poor just as God does. The Lord hears the cry of the poor; blessed be the Lord.

Helping people live life with Jesus everyday,