Thursday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Mention “The Waters of Meriba” to someone, and behind the blank look they might be thinking of some summer resort or a spa. Our first reading explains this as a place where people found themselves at the extremes of the depth of despair or the pinnacle of faith. Can you imagine the emotional shock of moving from certain death by thirst to new life by abundant fresh water? This happened for the Israelites when Moses believing in the power of God struck the rock and fresh water flowed.
The New Testament suggests another setting for the “Waters of Meriba.” It involves a different kind of rock, although a similar act of faith was necessary. Jesus chooses Caesarea Philippi known for its lush water fed vegetation to ask Peter three times to declare his personal love. Even with abundant water surrounding them, Peter had to dig deep, as Moses did, in order to find the sustaining rock of faith and lead the people through a new kind of wilderness.
Does history remain only in the past? Any significant moments of explicit faith having long-lasting effects are the “Waters of Meriba” for us. Perhaps the most comforting thought is that it is not a case of “one and done.” Moses struck the rock twice perhaps struggling with doubt, and Peter had to be prodded three times by Jesus to find the deepest words of commitment. Does that give us hope? Can we come to the waters of faith in a dry land?
Reflection by Fr. Daniel Petsche, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections