Pour Out Your One Life

“Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6

There is an old song by the group Kingston Trio named “Desert Pete”. It tells of a water pump in the desert. When travelers cross the dry dusty cactus desert, they are joyfully surprised to find this water pump. There’s a bottle of water and a note stuck to to the pump which says, “This pump is old, but she works. You’ve got to prime the pump. You must have faith and believe. You’ve got to give of yourself ‘fore you’re worthy to receive. Drink all the water you need but leave the bottle full for others.”

The traveler has to pour all the water in the bottle over the pump to get it to work. If he drinks all the water first, the pump won’t work, he’ll get thirsty again and the next travelers won’t be able to drink. 

Life is like that. We are all travelers, pilgrims, thirsty and hungry for the meaning of life and our purpose. Some of us, just take our one life and spend it on ourself. But we will soon be empty again. Some of us meet Jesus and empty ourselves into His hands. He will be the living water for us, and He will give our life meaning and purpose.

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati was an Italian Catholic activist dedicated to social justice issues. He was the son of a Senator and was as political as his father. He was also a member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Although he hated violence, he regularly attended anti-fascist demonstrations. He was arrested several times, once because he defended himself when the police became violent at a rally initiated by the Church. When he was asked why he continued to attend the protests, he answered, “One ought to go and one does. It is not they who suffer violence who should fear it, but those who practice it.” 

Frassati died at 24 in Turin of poliomyelitis. His life had been filled with daily Mass, personal prayer, and direct service to the poor. He was willing to pour out his life for Christ and for others. Lord, be with Your people and fight for us. Amen.