Give Drink to the Thirsty

Glass of water

"For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink" (Matthew 25:35).

Many of our brothers and sisters around the world do not have access to clean water. Drought has led to widespread hunger across Africa. Below are a few suggestions on how you can help.

  • Donate to organizations such as Catholic Relief Services (CRS) which work to provide clean water to many communities around the world that do not have access to it.
     
  • Learn about how climate change is negatively affecting water supplies in some parts of the world.
     
  • Support programs that preserve and protect aquifers and water supplies.
     
  • Donate boxed or bottled water to your local homeless shelter or soup kitchen. (This could be a good activity for a sports team or youth group.)
     
  • If there are local drought conditions, assist a farmer who is short of water for animals.
     
  • Conserve water where you can.
    • Use a dishwasher instead of washing dishes by hand if possible.
    • Don't leave water running when you're brushing your teeth or shaving.
    • Use a low-flow toilet if possible.
    • Put a rain gauge in your yard and only water the lawn when necessary. Position sprinklers so you're not watering the sidewalk or pavement.

Scripture

"Whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple—amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward" (Matthew 10:45).

"Strike the rock, and the water will flow from it for the people to drink. Moses did this, in the sight of the elders of Israel" (Exodus 17:6).

Bishop Deeley

"Jesus speaks of the thirsty. They, like us, are created with the dignity of the human person, and all are worthy of our care, love and attention. Love your neighbor as yourself is a concrete call to live out what Jesus taught. When we do, we renew our world, and help it to reflect better the love of God found in the way we extend ourselves for each other. And when we live as Jesus showed us in his own life, we live the Gospel, and we find ourselves counted among the sheep and not the goats."

Other Corporal Works of Mercy