Reflection for Sunday 2/24/08
READINGS
First Reading: Exodus 17:3-7
Second Reading: Romans 5:1-2, 5-8
Gospel: John 4:5-42
REFLECTION:
Jesus offers the Samaritan woman “living water.” And what is “living water?” This would seem to be water that remains connected to its source, that flows, that moves, that seeks new channels. It is constantly replenished and replenishing, renewed and renewing. Living water changes everything it touches. Jesus is describing faith as living water. God is the source of faith and it streams out from God’s ceaseless generosity to each of us. Faith fills our hearts and enlivens and refreshes our existence. And it spills out of us to touch the lives of those around us. Sometimes we may take this gift of faith for granted and allow it to become stagnant. But with any encouragement, our living faith will find its way around the blocks we put in its way. Jesus did not allow social barriers of his time to keep him from offering the gift of faith to the Samaritan woman. Surely, he is as eager to help us drink of the living water. We just need to say “yes” with the Samaritan woman and the living water will sustain and enrich our journey of faith.
1. Where have you found a source of “living water” for your own journey of faith?
2. Name some times when your belief in Jesus helped make you stronger.
PRAYER:
Renew my faith, dear Jesus. Let me drink of the living water you offered the Samaritan woman so that I am refreshed and renewed in You. Amen.