Homily for3rd Sunday of Lent, Year A
Ex 17: 3-7 Rom. 5: 1-2, 5-8 John 4:5-42
Theme: Jesus Heals Our Wounds
In the liturgy of today, we see the Israelites complaining against God and Moses because they were thirsty. They forgot how far God had guided them since they left Egypt and doubted his presence in their midst. God listened to the voice of Moses and provided water for the people of Israel. By so doing, establishing the fact that he was still with the people. One would have expected that with the way God brought them out of Egypt, their faith would have been strengthened by their experiences. Apparently, they have forgotten how God led them out of Egypt. The action of the Israelites brings up a very important question for you and me. Are we any different from the Israelites? Have we found ourselves in situations that we begin to really question whether God is with us, or he has abandoned us? God will never abandon us; he is always faithful. It is for us to remain steadfast in faith when we find ourselves in situations that are very challenging.
In the world in which we live today, people thirst for so many things that will satisfy their desires. Some people thirst for a good life, some people thirst for peace, some people thirst for justice, some of us thirst for power and authority, some thirst for fame, some thirst for wealth and so many other things. In view of their personal desires, they are willing to go to any extent, just to achieve their personal ambitions. Sometimes these ambitions are achieved by hurting or injuring other people. However, the readings of today helps us to set our priorities right by thirsting for Jesus, who is the spring of living water; and whose presence in our lives will lead us to eternal life.
St Paul affirms the above fact in the second reading, when he talks about the peace we could obtain from God through Jesus Christ by faith like Abraham. This point of Paul is well expressed in the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman in the gospel. In this encounter, Jesus proved not only to the woman, but to all of us that he is the fountain of life that leads to eternal life. Dear friends in Christ, Jesus is the living water which comes down from heaven that can really quench our thirst. And just like he quenched the thirst of the Samaritan woman, he will also quench our thirsts; if only we can go to him in humility, faith, and trust. In baptism, we put on Christ and there is newness of life. In the same way, the Samaritan woman experienced a new life through her encounter with Jesus. Therefore, let us all go to Jesus with open and sincere hearts like the Samaritan woman and we will experience the newness of life that only God can give. When this happens, we will never thirst again. It is my prayer on this third Sunday of Lent that Jesus, the living water will quench our thirst. Amen. Peace be with you!