The Two Seas
Theme: Generosity vs. Selfishness
In the Holy Land, there are two famous bodies of water fed by the exact same source: the Jordan River.
The first is the Sea of Galilee. It is lush, vibrant, and teeming with life. Trees spread their branches over it, fish multiply in its depths, and people build their homes along its shores. It is a beautiful, thriving place.
The second is the Dead Sea. There are no trees lining its shores, no fish swimming in its waters, and no life sustained by its presence. It is stagnant, harsh, and entirely empty.
What makes them so different if they are fed by the very same river?
The Sea of Galilee receives the water from the Jordan River, but it does not keep it. For every drop that flows in, a drop flows out. It is a conduit. The Dead Sea, however, takes the water from the Jordan and hoards it. It has no outlet. It takes, and it takes, and it keeps every drop for itself. And because it only receives and never gives, it becomes a dead, lifeless body of water.
Reflection
God pours His grace, wealth, and love into our lives just as the river flows into the seas. If we hoard our blessings, our talents, and our love, our souls become stagnant and lifeless. But when we allow God's grace to flow through us and out to others in charity, our lives remain vibrant, fruitful, and pleasing to the Lord.