Sunday, March 8th

Scripture

Ex 17: 3-7
Ps 95: 1-2, 6-9
Rom 5: 1-2, 5-8
Jn 4: 5-42

Reflection

“I will be standing there in front of you….Strike the rock, and the water will flow from it for the people to drink.”
Ex 17: 6
“Whoever drinks the water I give them will never be thirsty. No, the water I give them shall become a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” Jn 4: 14

Both the Old and New Testament readings speak of the basic human need for water. But what first appears to be merely a request for a drink of water to quench thirst becomes a deeper act of faith and trust in God’s never-ending presence and love. Moses strikes the rock with the assurance of God’s presence, trusting that he and
the Israelites will not be thirsty any longer. The Samaritan woman’s encounter with Jesus at the well is a great act of faith in who he is and what he promises. Both Moses and the Samaritan woman are touched by God’s desire to reach deeper into their hearts, well beyond the immediate situation, to be a continuous and ongoing source of life to them.

God’s presence in our lives is not occasional, situational, or “as needed.” It is the living water that is constantly welling up and moving deep within us, becoming the root and source of all grace. We are not dependent on circumstance, but rather draw from and rely on the ongoing spring of God’s love.

Prayer

Loving God, You are the source of life and goodness within us. May
every prayer and work of ours be guided by Your inspiration and
carried out with Your gracious assistance.

Personal Challenge

Is there a part of my life where I am looking to quench a thirst?
Be aware of the living water of God’s love within and draw
on this grace to respond.

Jim Boyd, CSJ Associate
Chicago, IL