Beautiful beings,
In 1980-81, PBS aired the miniseries Cosmos: A Personal Voyage with Carl Sagan. In the series, Sagan explored 15 billion years of cosmic evolution and the development of science and civilization. He traced the origins of knowledge and the scientific method, mixing science and philosophy, and speculated about the future of science. He also discussed the underlying premises of science by providing biographical anecdotes about many prominent scientists, placing their contributions in the broader context of the development of modern science (Wikipedia). The series was the genesis of the quote: “The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself.”
And we are also of water-stuff. It is said that approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. Around 96.5% of all Earth’s water is found in the oceans, which is considered salt water and not readily drinkable by humans. The remaining 3.5% freshwater is mostly trapped in ice caps and glaciers, with only a small percentage accessible in lakes, rivers, and groundwater. The USGS Water Science School published that “Water is of major importance to all living things; in some organisms, up to 90% of their body weight comes from water. Up to 60% of the human adult body is water…the brain and heart are composed of 73% water, and the lungs are about 83% water. The skin contains 64% water, muscles and kidneys are 79%, and even the bones are watery: 31%.” As babies, we start out as about 78% water and drop to 60% as we mature.
Water is mentioned over 500 times in the Bible and carries multiple significant meanings from judgment to renewal, new beginnings, and ever-lasting life. This week is the Baptism of Jesus as told in Luke 3:15-17, 21-22. On Sunday, we will look at the significance of the baptism sacrament in relationship to our modern lives and commitment to God. Invite a friend to “wade in the water” on 1130 Balclutha, Zoom, or Livestream at 10 am!
Yours,
Rev. Michael Cronin
