Today’s readings: Click on today’s date at http://www.usccb.org/bible/
The well that does not run dry
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Third Sunday of Lent
John 4:15, 24
At the well, the woman said to Jesus, “Give me this water, so that I may not be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water” … and Jesus said, “God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and truth.
The Samaritan woman in me wants God to make my life secure and give me all I need to relax and rest comfortably in the arms of the world. Oh, woe is me … that’s not God’s idea; it’s mine and mine alone. When I ask God for this, I have the feeling he isn’t listening all that close.
Jesus says, “Get over it. This well might run dry. It’s OK. Your life may be very very hard. That’s OK. I am never leaving you.”
The circumstances don’t stay still, and I can never know the future. But do I have to know the future is secure? Consider this ancient story from China, about a boy and his father and a horse:
One day the horse of an old farmer ran away.
Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came to visit.  “Such bad luck,” they said sympathetically.
“May be,” the farmer replied.
The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses.
“How wonderful,” the neighbors exclaimed.
“May be,” replied the old man.
The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg.
The neighbors again came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune.
“May be,” answered the farmer.
The day after, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the son’s leg was broken, they passed him by.
The neighbors congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out.
“May be,” said the farmer.
Is there any consolation for this uncertainty? Jesus says yes, there is, and you will find it as you worship “in Spirit and truth.” What does he mean? It’s worth spending time with him to find out.
This is your world, and to my listening ears, all nature sings and around me rings the music of the spheres. Oh, Lord, bless us with your living water, your love, your never-ending presence. That is all we need.
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