The Readings for the Third Sunday of Lent focus on thirst. In the First Reading from the Book of Exodus, the Lord gives abundant water to the Israelites who are thirsting in the desert.
In the Gospel and in the Second Reading we see that there is also a spiritual thirst for God’s love. St. Paul states that God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. In the Gospel Jesus promises the Samaritan woman ‘living water’ that will bring spiritual renewal through God’s love. They say that timing is everything and this is so true with the Samaritan woman. Why did she come to the well at the hottest time of the day rather than in the early morning when most people fetch water? The reason is that she wanted to avoid people. As a Samaritan who had five failed marriages, I am sure she felt like an outcast who considered herself inferior to most people. She was thirsting for acceptance and love and she found that in Jesus. This experience changed her forever and, instead of hiding from the townspeople, she went to them to share her incredible story. This woman proclaimed Christ and many believed her testimony. She came to Jesus, the wellspring of love and mercy, and her spiritual thirst was satisfied. When we are experiencing times of turmoil or anxiety, like the women of the Gospel, we need to encounter Jesus.
We know that the world is confronting a pandemic that is causing fear and uncertainty. Governments and health care workers are urging people to remain calm and not to overreact. It is precisely at times like this we need to go to Jesus, seeking mercy, healing, wisdom and and peace. This gives us hope, for as St. Paul reminds us in the Second Reading, “hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirt that has been given to us. Let us not be afraid!