Scripture Reflection - March 23, 2025

Third Sunday of Lent

              Exodus 17:3-7 - Romans 5: 1-2, 5-8   - John 4: 5-15, 19b-26, 39a 40-42             

“THE PEOPLE WERE THIRSTY”

After hearing the readings for today, I was prompted to ask myself, when was I ever thirsty, parched, dried out, or searching for something to quench my thirst?

I was on a visit to my brother in Peru and quickly realized there was no ice or refrigerated beverages; actually, there wasn’t much to drink at all. We were in a desert, and water was not readily available for drinking or washing. Water was considered a very precious commodity. Wells were few and far between. This is the daily existence of those in deserts.

An article was shared with me recently by our Sr. Jo-anne Faillace since she knew my interest in water in general, safe drinking water for all, and the global water crisis.

On a hot and sultry afternoon in April 1997, the residents of a remote tribal hamlet in India gathered cheerfully with sweets and flowers in their hands to celebrate the inaugural ceremony and worship of a new deity: the village borewell. This new deity would provide them good-quality drinking water and keep their families healthy. This borewell was constructed through the generosity and under the guidance of Dr. Constantino Faillace and his wife.

Since 1990, Tino, a retired international hydrogeologist, and his wife have been conducting a crusade against the non-availability of safe drinking water for the poorest of the poor using their own private funds. About 150 villages in India have benefitted from their generosity.

One man and woman made a difference to the people in India that will have a ripple effect for years to come.

Our first reading today from Exodus tells us of the people grumbling against Moses for bringing them out of Egypt only to die of thirst. The Lord stepped in, telling Moses to strike the rock and water will flow for the people to drink. Moses was moved by the Lord, just as Constantino was moved by the Lord to do what he could to bring water to the poor of India.

Let all those who are thirsty come.

Let them come to the water.

Let them come to the Lord.

John’s Gospel today tells us of the Samaritan woman at the well, grumbling against Jesus asking her for a drink, “You are a Jew, you have nothing to draw with, the well is deep.” Jesus replied, “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.” Moses, Constantino and Jesus are moved to bring water, bring life, to all those who are thirsty.

Let all those who are thirsty come.

Let them come to the water.

Let them come to the Lord.

Let us pray for each other this Lent that we may quench our thirst for the Lord.

Let us pray for each other this Lent that we may slake our yearning for our God.

Let us pray for those who thirst for water throughout our world that they may be satisfied.

Let us pray that our love of Jesus will move us to bring life giving water to our brothers and sisters in need.

Sr. Ellenrita Purcaro, OP