Third Sunday in Lent - A – March 23, 2014

Rushing Water

Did you ever play in the sprinklers when your were a child? Or, play a game in rushing water? This play gives us a brief hint to the power of rushing water. This power is at the root of the readings and activities this week.

BLOG LINK How are we to act in an uncertain world?

MP3 PODCAST In this week’s audio podcast, we discuss the power of rushing water. The idea of a fountain or an artesian spring brings a sense of nurturing and cleansing. Jesus used that idea to speak of the Spirit, a gift he would give to his followers.

FIRST READING The reading from Exodus spoke of impatience. Despite the presence of the Lord in the desert experience, the people groused about their lack. God provided for their want from an unexpected source, water flowing from a rock.

PSALM Psalm 95 is a praise hymn with a caveat. We are to praise God, but we should always keep the uncertain will of human nature in mind. We could easily turn on God, just as the people did in the Exodus experience at Meribah and Massah (see the First Reading).

SECOND READING In his letter to the Romans, St. Paul reminds us that we are justified before God, but we do not and cannot justify ourselves. That is God’s prerogative alone. He is the source of all good things.

GOSPEL St. John presented one of the most memorable narratives in his gospel: the Samaritan woman at the well. At it’s heart, these verses speak of self-revelation. The woman showed herself to be immoral, but that did not stop Jesus from revealing himself to her. In doing so, he offered her the Spirit, the living water that wells up into eternal life.

CHILDREN’S READINGS In the story about the First Reading, Jack appreciated a simple drink of water after a long dry spell at school. In the Gospel reflection, we consider the power of rushing water, whether is a geyser or a park fountain.

CATECHISM LINK This week’s Link addresses the subject of Jesus as Lord, both in his humanity and divinity.

FAMILY ACTIVITY Use a garden or park fountain as a point to discuss how rushing water is like God’s life within us.