The prophetic image from Ezekiel describes life-giving water flowing from the temple in four directions, making the land bloom and bear fruit. Later traditions - especially John's Gospel - understood this as symbolic of the Spirit of God. The Spirit is a gift that God promised would be granted to humankind in the last days - in New Testament terms, in the life of Jesus. The Spirit can bring new life, vision, and hope to a broken heart or dry, weary soul. Calling upon the Spirit and opening our heart brings new life and spiritual fruit.

Water figures in the healing of the man crippled for 38 years. He struggled to be the first in the water so as to be healed but he failed repeatedly. But Jesus brought water of a different sort and the man was healed. There were those who took offence at this compassionate action of God - after, all, Jesus broke the rules by healing on the Sabbath. God will not be controlled or denied - Jesus has life within him and will give it to others of his choosing. We all need to give the Spirit space to work, and the Spirit's primary concern is life and love. Jesus also presented a challenge - don't go on just as before, change your life! Heal the soul as well as the body.