Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13 / Luke 8:19-21
Water is an amazing element. It refreshes the wearied, cleanses what is soiled, softens what is hardened and quenches the thirsty.
In its liquid state, water takes on the form of whatever vessel it is poured into.
When it is flowing, as water in a stream or river, it turns and goes into whichever direction that has been set.
The beginning line in the 1st reading says that "like flowing water is the heart of the king in the hand of the Lord, who turns it where He pleases".
Flowing water is distinct from stagnant water or water that is in a container in that it gives a sense that it is "alive" and that it is moving on.
And those who hear the Word of God and put it into practice (Lk 8:21) are like flowing water that the Lord directs to do His will.
On the other hand, flowing water that is not in the hand of the Lord is not harnessed and can become destructive and cause floods and may even take lives in its course.
And those who hear the Word of God and do not put it into practice can become like water that has a destructive aspect to it.
So let us listen to the Word of God and put it into practice, so that our lives will be like flowing water in the hand of the Lord that will refresh the wearied, cleanse what is soiled, soften what is hardened and quench those who thirst for Lord.