“wells without water" (2nd Peter 2:17)

“wells without water" (2nd Peter 2:17)

Perhaps “wells” would be better translated as springs or fountains because wells are dug, while the others occur naturally in nature. Either way, such life-giving sources were of great comfort to weary travelers throughout the Hoy Land, with its dry, arid climate. Therefore, water in the Bible is always emblematic of blessing and refreshment, God's love.

Imagine a tired traveler, parched and hot, finding renewed vigor as he hungrily drinks to satisfy his body's need. Now picture this same man, fatigued and thirsting, coming to a dry well. Instead of helping to sate him and slake his thirst, the waterless well only aggravates his misery.

The world is a dry, desert place and our journey takes us along many precarious roads. Those who are thirsting will begin to move from mirage to mirage - seeking to satisfy their thirst in wealth, fame, pleasure, etc. Yet the only real way to satisfy one's thirst is to drink from the cistern which is Christ’s Church. Sadly, many false prophets and teachers have so confused people over the years, that many would rather walk by Christ's “Life-Giving Fountains” assuming them to be waterless, while at the same time drinking from every other source no matter how salty or brackish the taste!

The wells of the Church are pure and healthy, even if those who administer and/or care for them, are not. All of mankind is sinful, and this can certainly include those whom Christ called to watch over His Well of Living Water. So, if you’ve stayed away because of the actions or sinfulness of others, come back and drink of the Church’s pure, life-sustaining fountains and find renewed hope in our Lord.

Fr. John