KNOWING who we really are—that is, that we are image and likeness of God, sharers of his divine life and nature, having been patterned after Christ—we need to realize that we are meant to be united with God always through Christ in the Holy Spirit.
We are reminded of this truth of our faith in that gospel parable where Christ said that “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you.” (Jn 15,1-4).
We need to realize more deeply that Christ, being the vine, is always with us. He is where we are attached to just as branches are attached to the vine. But we need to be fruitful, otherwise we would be taken away. It’s also good to note that Christ has given us everything so that we would be fruitful. He has pruned us with his word so that we can precisely be fruitful.
The challenge we have to face and tackle is how we can always be aware that we are actually united with Christ and be faithful to him by following his word and example, so that we can keep ourselves being united to him.
For this, we need to avail of some means that would help us to be always in his presence, aware and desirous to do his will and ways, even as we immerse ourselves in all our temporal and earthly affairs.
We have to be most wary of our strong tendency to do just our own will without relating it to Christ’s will. That would constitute as sheer self-indulgence that will shortly fizzle out just as a branch cannot live long when detached from the vine, the giver and source of life and fruitfulness.
Thus, we need to make several pauses during the day so that we can recover and keep our presence of God all day long, and put ourselves in the proper condition to carry out God’s will.
We have to learn how to resist being swallowed up and trapped in our temporal affairs which nowadays can be very irresistible and absorbing. We have to sharpen our awareness that our life is meant to be a shared life with God through Christ in the Holy Spirit.
Yes, our life, whether considered in its purely natural aspect or in its supernaturally oriented spiritual dimension, that is, particularly our Christian life, is by definition a shared life.
We need to develop the skills not only to protect and keep this property of our life, but also to continually reinforce and enhance it. That’s because our life is always a dynamic affair, with new challenges and changing circumstances.
We cannot remain naïve and think that our life more or less would just automatically be a shared life. Some people say so, because they claim we cannot avoid sharing our life with others.
To a certain extent, that assertion is true. But neither can we be blind to the fact that we and the world in general have ways, often subtle and deceptive, that effectively annul this shared characteristic of our life.
We just have to be keenly aware that whatever situation we find ourselves in, Christ always has something to say, and we just have to follow it.
Lurking dangers
Freshwater deeps, which happen to be abundant in our region, are fascinating places full of unique flora and fauna, but they can also pose a range of dangers.
Among others, freshwater deeps can have uneven terrain and sudden deep drop-offs, which can be dangerous for inexperienced or non-swimmers. The depth of the water can vary greatly, and some areas may be much deeper than others. Even if a person is a strong swimmer, sudden changes in depth can be disorienting and threaten to cause fatigue.
The presence of harmful algae blooms is another danger. When the conditions are right, algae can grow rapidly and produce toxins that can be harmful to humans and other animals. In some cases, these blooms can even render water sources completely unusable. Swimmers or those who accidentally ingest affected water can suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, neurological problems, and even death.
Freshwater deeps can also harbor hidden dangers like submerged debris or vegetation. These can include logs, branches, fishing gear, and other materials. Swimmers or boaters who come into contact with such hazards can experience serious injuries, including lacerations, serious bruising, or even drowning.
Sometimes fresh water sources contain dangerous organisms like leeches, which can attach themselves to swimmers or hikers. While leeches aren’t typically harmful, they can cause anemia and other problems if they latch onto a person’s body for too long. Parasites like tapeworms and flatworms can also be present in fresh water, posing a risk to swimmers who inadvertently swallow infected water.
Conditions in freshwater deeps can also be unpredictable. Water temperatures can change rapidly, causing swimmers to experience hypothermia or heat exhaustion. Waves or currents can develop quickly, making it difficult for even strong swimmers to stay afloat or travel through the water safely.
Another danger in fresh water deep is the presence of predatory animals, such as alligators, crocodiles, or large fish. These animals can attack humans if they feel threatened or if they mistake swimmers for prey. While attacks are relatively rare, they can be serious or even fatal.
Freshwater deeps can also be susceptible to pollution, runoff, and other environmental hazards. These contaminants can pose a risk to the health of swimmers and other wildlife. Exposure to polluted water can lead to skin irritation, respiratory problems, and other health issues, especially if the water is ingested.
Moreover, fresh water deeps can pose risks related to human activity. Boating accidents, diving mishaps, and other incidents can occur if people are not careful or responsible. Inexperienced boaters may hit submerged obstacles or collide with other vessels, while divers can get tangled in underwater debris or experience other problems.
Again, freshwater deeps are diverse and exciting environments, but they can be dangerous for people who are not prepared or knowledgeable about the risks they pose. Swimmers and boaters need to be aware of uneven terrain, sudden changes in depth, hazardous organisms, environmental pollution, and other risks. By taking the necessary precautions and staying vigilant, we can all enjoy these freshwater resources while minimizing the risks of harm.