Exodus 17:3-7
Romans 5:1-2,5-8
John 4:5-42
THE SAMARITAN WOMAN AND THE LIFE-GIVING WATER
In today’s readings, the dominant image is water, which makes us think of baptism. Therefore, it is of no wonder that John’s narration about the Samaritan woman’s encounter with Jesus at the well is proposed to us on this third Sunday of Lent. On this Sunday, the first “Scrutinies” for the catechumens who will be baptized on Holy Saturday take place. The powerful dialogue between Jesus and the Samaritan woman is one of the most lengthy but interesting passages in John’s gospel narrative and pregnant with many theological themes.
The story begins by Jesus showing himself as a person in need: tired and thirsty. Then, the conversation moves to its high point when Jesus reveals himself to the woman as the Messiah. And it ends with Jesus bringing the whole town to faith in him. The point of departure is “the gift of God”, imaged as water, living water that becomes in the one who drinks it “a spring of living water welling up to eternal life.” Here, the relation to the Holy Spirit who gives life is undeniable (cf. John 7:37-39). As such, St Paul tells us in the second reading: “the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.”
In fact, the Samaritan woman represents each one of us, our existential dissatisfaction and our unceasing search for fulfillment and true happiness in life. As her encounter with Jesus changed her life, so also our personal encounter with Jesus and our openness to him can change marvelously our lives. For he knows our story; he knows our struggles, and he is the only One who can satisfy our deepest aspirations and rejuvenate our soul.
Moreover, as the story about the “Massah and Meribah experience” teaches us, our difficulties, trials and struggles can make us become impatient and lose faith in God. The water from the rock became the symbol of relief and the manifestation of God’s presence and love to the wandering and thirsty Israelites in the desert. In this Lenten Season, let us pause and recall the wonderful and great things God has done in our lives. Let us ponder on his infinite love manifested in Jesus who died for us while we were still sinners. Like the Samaritan woman, let us open our hearts so as to be filled with the life-giving and healing water of Jesus. Amen
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