JESUS THE GIVER OF LIFE-GIVING WATER
First Reading: Exodus 17: 3-7
Second Reading: Romans 5: 1-2 and 5-8
Gospel Reading: John 4: 5-42
*First reading is from the book of Exodus. The journey of the chosen people of God from Egypt to the promised land is described. On their way, the people become agitated and angry because they have no water to drink. They revolt and speak against Moses and against the Lord God who has brought them out of the slavery of Egypt. The Lord God commands Moses to strike a rock. Moses does as told and immediately water gushes out of the rock. They have plenty of water to drink. The Lord God shows His care and concern for His chosen people in spite of their ungratefulness and rebellion.
*Second reading is from St. Paul's letter to the Romans. Paul explains to the Christian community in Rome and us that God has proved His extraordinary love for us by the fact that Christ died for us while we are still sinners. God's love is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. So God's grace as flowing water is poured down upon each one of us.
Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. Jesus' meeting with a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well is described. In a most dramatic move, Jesus asks this woman for some water to drink. Samaritans and Jews had a rather hostile relationship at that time. Jesus a Jew, asking for water from a Samaritan woman is rather unusual in this context. Yet, the woman after some initial hesitation gives water to Him. Jesus' encounter with the woman gradually changes her attitude to life situations. She shares with Him her sad story - her confused and sinful life. Gradually and gently Jesus makes her realize what she has been running away from. Till now, she is thirsting for transitory and worldly pleasures. Jesus tells her about another kind of water that becomes a fountain from within us leading to eternal life. Similarly, Jesus comes into our lives like a weary, thirsty traveler asking for some water. He makes in-roads into our lives as one who is helpless and who stands in need of us. What Jesus wants from us is more than water. He thirsts for our hearts. Like the Samaritan woman who brought many people to Jesus, let us too go out to the surroundings and bring many to the presence of the Lord.
"The account of Jesus with the Samaritan woman at the well proves unexpected daily occurrences bring about lasting changes in life when Christ is the center of the experience. - St. Gregory Palamas
"She (Samaritan woman) exhibited the actions of an Apostle, preaching the Gospel to all and calling them to Jesus and drawing a whole city forth to Him." - St. John Chrysostom
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