John 7:37 On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, 38 and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’ ” 39 Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

This morning v.38 got my attention, “Out of the believers hearts shall flow rivers of living water.” Reminds me of a visit I had recently with a woman who is in her last days on earth. She has fought the good fight but disease will soon take her life. As I entered her room she opened her eyes a bit and smiled at me. She’s in hospice care so she’s a bit woozy from the pain meds. She told me she’s ready to see the Lord. Though she remains in some pain, she is at peace.

We spoke for a few minutes and then I invited her family members to join us for holy communion. I said the blessing over small pieces of bread and small cups of juice. Her body can only tolerate water so she had water. I’m pretty sure it’s okay there were no grapes involved. Jesus will understand.

We said the Lord’s Prayer together. I watcher her lips move as she spoke the words, though she prayed in a whisper. And perhaps, for the last time while her body draws breath, her family members joined her for the sacrament. It was a holy, sacred moment.

Then I anointed her head with oil and blessed her, marking her forehead with the sign of the cross, reminding her who she is and to whom she belongs. She smiled. Again. Her body has almost given out completely, but streams of living water continue to flow in her and through her. I hope the same will be said of me when my time comes. Lord let it be so. Amen.