Holy Water

Numbers 5:17: . . . and the priest shall take holy water in an earthen vessel, and take some of the dust that is on the floor of the tabernacle and put it into the water.

Here is a case where God actually commanded the use of holy water. If this is the case, how can anyone blame the Church for its use? Used for blessings, water is a powerful symbol of cleansing; it also carries with it the theme of life and death. We need water to live; and yet, too much can drown us and bring death. It always reminds us of our baptism and the promises of faith.