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March 11, 2023It is no secret that water is essential for life to survive. Nearly 70% of the earth’s surface is covered by water and 25% of the world’s supply of fresh water is found in Michigan. Even our own bodies contain water, with approximately 60-75% of our body weight being comprised of water. If we were to take just a single drop of water from a lake or a pond, we would find an amazing number of organisms thriving in just that single drop. Water not only quenches our thirst, but it also is essential to sustaining life.
In our scripture readings this weekend we see a consistent focus on the importance of water, water that not only quenches our human thirst but also water which leads us to eternal life. Whether we recognize it or not, we thirst for God’s presence in our lives, and, like the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus offers us life giving water, water which quenches our spiritual thirst and brings us eternal life.
The conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman is the longest conversation with any individual found in our gospels, yet we never learn her name. Perhaps she remains unnamed because she represents you and me as we encounter Jesus in life. Like the Samaritan woman, Jesus knows all of our bumps and bruises, the scars we bare because of choices and decisions we’ve made in life. Jesus knows our hurts, our sorrows, and the things for which we are ashamed. Like the Samaritan woman, Jesus does not condemn, demean, or ridicule. Instead, Jesus offers the life-giving water of his love, his forgiveness, and his compassion.
A question for us to ponder this week as we continue our Lenten journey is where in life we are in need of God’s love, forgiveness, and healing. If we encountered Jesus at that well, what would he say? How would we be transformed and healed? As we ponder encountering Jesus at the well, may we drink deeply of that life giving water which Jesus is offering.
May God bless you and your loved ones today, tomorrow, and forevermore.
Fr. Harry
