August 29, 2022

“For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living water, and dug out cisterns for themselves, cracked cisterns that can hold no water.” (Jeremiah 2:12-13)

Isn’t that the way it works? Nose up and thumbs down on the abundant life that God lavishes on us, all the while scrambling to dig our own wells of pleasure, only to discover that they are fissured failures, leaking for all they are worth.

I love the description of the prodigal son when he ran dry of booze, cash, and friends: “He came to himself.” But the cracked cisterns clearly have their purpose. Drawing a cup that comes up empty helps us believe that Jesus is telling the truth when He says that whoever drinks the water that He gives them will never thirst.

“Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.” (Proper 17 – BCP)