Why Do I Carry Holy Water?

A few months ago, after a purse debacle, I got into a thoughtful discussion which revolved around my Holy Water bottle. You see, I was in the store making an exchange from a faulty purse with a poor zipper to a new functioning purse. In this endeavor, I was forced to empty the contents of my purse onto a counter so I could place them in a new purse. Consequently some of the larger items were placed on the counter, one of them being a bottle of Holy Water. A couple of the store clerks were observing me and the re-stuffing of the new purse to ensure it was going to work out for me and I was asked why I carry Holy Water. Honestly, I didn't have a forthcoming answer, but I did manage to say, "so I can bless my kids." While this is partially true, the reasons why have been bouncing around in my head for weeks.

Actually, it is interesting that none of the other contents were questioned, some of them being possibly a bit more interesting such as four different types of rosaries, healing oil and a couple of prayer cards (among other non-religious items). Truthfully I have not been using any of them well, though I am going to try and use the upcoming Lenten season to change that.

Perhaps I carry these things because the Irish in me may be a tad wary and I want to be "prepared" for whatever life throws at me in any given moment. Then again maybe it is because I've seen family members carry various religious items and therefore it is just inherent. Then again, do I really need a reason? These items are a reminder of my Baptism, that God is always with me, even if I do not "see" Him. Shouldn't that be reason enough?

Interestingly, these items led to a brief conversation about Lent and going to church (especially with littles in tow), giving me the opportunity to meet and evangelize a fellow Catholic.

So why do I carry Holy Water around in my bag? Well, it is a good conversation starter. Also, I do bless my children with it when I send them forth into the world. Perhaps I just may need it one day, if nothing more than to remind myself of the Blessed Trinity, of God's love for us, and that He is always there waiting to be discovered and rediscovered. Very patiently waiting.

After this encounter, I was reminded that my great-grandmother, who was a midwife in the late 1880's to early 1900's, would carry Holy Water with her to the births and bless any baby she felt might be in danger, and in some cases I suspect she would bless the mother if the situation seemed emergent. Interestingly, as far as I am aware, she never lost a mother or child. She was a woman of great conviction and prayed constantly as I was told by her daughter. We are allowed as Catholics to bless those who may be in a situation of peril and/or mortal/moral danger in the event of an emergency and if a priest cannot be reached.

Upon some further reading and research, it appears there is some disagreement as to when the official use of "Holy Water" began, however the idea of water being cleansing, life-giving, bringing forth renewal and quenching thirst makes its use as something that at least should be considered sacred, or that should be revered. Our earth for example is covered mostly in water and helps sustain life on the planet which includes our own. Our bodies are in fact made up of quite a lot of water and in turn need water to stay healthy and active. Think about when it rains, the lovely clean smell the air has after a good rain. It only stands to reason that the Christians and particularly the Catholic Church would eventually officially bless life giving water and make it Holy. It is a beautifully simple reminder of Jesus's life giving and unconditional love, that He alone can quench our thirst for love, forgiveness and bring us peace.

So carry a small bottle of Holy Water wherever you go. Use it, but use it well and with the love of Christ in your heart and mind.