This summer, show mercy by giving drink to the thirsty

Maura Baker

Staff Writer

As part of the Diocesan-wide Campaign of Mercy, the Messenger has been highlighting a different work of mercy each month. For the month of June, the focus is on the corporal work, giving drink to the thirsty.

“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” (Matt 10:42)

Water serves as perhaps the world’s most important resource — life depends on it, and it is because of water that the planet earth is able to sustain life at all. More than 70 percent of the surface of planet Earth consists of water — but, even then, only 1 percent of that is accessible and ready for safe human consumption.

In fact, UNICEF reports that four billion people, almost two thirds of the world’s population, experience water scarcity (that is, lack of access to safe drinking water) for at least one month each year, and over two billion people live in countries where water supply is inadequate.

Water is crucial to human survival, according to University of California’s Davis Health. It supports vital functions including ferrying nutrients to cells, getting rid of wastes, protecting joints and organs and — notably important as the warm summer months approach — maintaining body temperature.

This June, the Messenger will be sharing stories of mercy where people of the Diocese of Covington meet the challenge to combat water scarcity in our community.