A REFLECTION ON THE READINGS FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT (YEAR A)

NAME: OGHENEKOHWO Paul Efemena (SS/PP/THEO/17/0669)

COURSE: HOMILETICS
LECTURER: REV. FR. (DR.) EWHERIDO Anthony
DATE: APRIL, 2019.
(1st Reading: Exodus 17: 3-7; Rs.Ps. 95:1-2.6-7abc. 7d-9; 2nd Reading: Rom.5:1-2.4. 12:54; Gospel: John 4:5-42)

Today, we celebrate the first scrutiny in preparation for Baptism of the catechumens, who are to be
admitted to the sacraments of Christian Initiation at the Easter Vigil.
The first reading and the Gospel speak to us of water. In the desert the Israelites survived because
Yahweh provided water for them. In the Gospel, Jesus (the divine Word), speaks of a new water, a new life
that he wants to give us. The second reading shows why we should trust and be joyful because no one will be
deprived of this water. In all, I have chosen to reflect on the Gospel.
We all have experienced thirst; we all know what happens to our beautiful flowers and fields when it
does not rain. Jesus, tired from his journey, sat down. The divine Word has taken on a genuine human
nature and thus truly suffers thirst and fatigue from his journey. The arrival at Jacob’s well sets the stage for
the meeting of Jesus with the woman of Sychar and the developments that ensue from it. The timing of this
episode at about the sixth hour (noon), is significant, for this conduct transgresses cultural and social
expectations. Francis Martin and William Wright IV highlight the idea that the woman probably had
something to hide because, she goes to the well both at the wrong time of the day for drawing water (not
morning or evening) and by herself (not accompanied by other women of the village).
Jesus initiates a dialogue with the woman through the use of an imperative (“Δος μοι‧”), this loosely
translates as “Give to me.” The Samaritan woman points out Jesus’ breach of religious convention: he, a Jew,
is asking a Samaritan woman for a drink. On account of dietary and purity laws, the Jews use nothing in
common with Samaritans. Jesus and the Samaritan woman are at cross purposes over thirst, wells, the gift
of water, and life.
Interestingly, this conversation which began with a literal talk about drinking water, now shifts to a
spiritual level with Jesus’ reference to “living water,” which refers spiritually to the water of eternal life. It
becomes clear that Jesus is thirsting for more than drinking water. He wants the Samaritan woman’s faith
commitment to him. Jesus thirsts to give her the living water (the Holy Spirit).
Brethren, the Liturgy of the Word invites us to create a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. The One
who purifies, renews, and transforms us. The pure source of the living water, springing up to eternal life,
which Jesus promised to the Samaritan woman. One lesson of this conversation between the woman and Jesus
is that God can find a deep thirst for him where some would see only superficiality and failure.
As Pope Francis once said in his “General Audience,” dated 8th May, 2013 on “the Holy Spirit, the
‘Living Water.’” “Even now the Holy Spirit invites us to see all things with the eye of Christ, to recognize
God’s immense love for us, and to share that love with all our brothers and sisters.”
O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your hearts. Amen.