Third Sunday of Lent

Our Common Thirst?

As he meets the woman, Jesus is not afraid to admit “I’m thirsty,” and to suggest, “Thirst makes friends of us all.” Later, he even proclaims to her, “God is not on the mountaintop—but in your thirst!” What are we thirsting for? Friendship? Acceptance? Community? Forgiveness? Healing? Boldness? Economic security? Biblical justice? Human dignity for all? How is our thirst inviting us to open more deeply to God?

Imagine the shock of encountering what seems like a suspicious stranger. The woman (nameless, worthless, having a “reputation”) has done everything to avoid encountering anyone. The stranger asks her for a drink. Their common thirst establishes a relationship. Both are thirsty. The desire to receive from each other—remember Jesus asks for a drink from her. He needs her. He pursues her, even in her resistance. He heals her wounds with words of acceptance—knowing everything about her—and still, he offers her a gift—living water. She receives from him, a stranger, someone she believes despises her.

When are we the recipients of life-giving water? Where in our lives are we experiencing something being brought back to life? Relationships, activities, the environment, hope in a future? Where or who is the well that provides the springs of living water?

How are you like this woman? How do you differ from her? If you met this woman, what would you want to say to her?

Anything can happen at a well. Thirst makes friends of us all. Can we find the well? Can we receive from a stranger? Can we find God there? Do we want to?

As a closing prayer, listen here.