Water is a critical resource for life. Without water we would not be able to survive. The importance of water especially becomes apparent in the midst of the baroness of the desert. For within the confines of the desert one quickly realizes the heat of the day and the lack of this important element which is needed to survive.
Our Gospel presents us with the symbol of “living water.” Water is something that comes from outside of ourself from another source. In the midst of a drought the need for water quickly becomes known as we pray for an increase of rain. This “living water” in our Gospel is a source for life which will never dry up. No matter the drought or desert that we may find ourself within this living water always remains.
This living water is that which Christ alone is able to give. This water is not to simply be collected and stored, but is to flow over abundantly as a flowing fountain. This is the very love of God Himself who gives in abundance out His of love. The love of God is a love which is so perfect that is is given mutually and flowing over. Upon the cross we see the great love that Christ has for us as He comes to lay down His life for us.
As we journey throughout the course of this Lenten season may we too desire to enter more fully into this living water. The Samaritan woman prepared for this same infusion with God’s grace by coming to acknowledge and repent of her sins. In such manner she opened her heart wide to allow this living water to penetrate into the very depths of her heart.
Lent assists us in coming to acknowledge our sinfulness and reach out to this same font of mercy that this Samaritan woman encountered. If we are unwilling to allow our heart to be opened in such a way how can we be led to believe that we will be found receptive of such an important gift?
Today we have in our midst those who long for this living water in a special way. They are those individuals who will enter into the living waters of baptism at the Easter Vigil. Today they will encounter the first scrutiny along this path where they are reminded to turn away from sin and the allures of evil in order to follow after Christ.
Let us join with them in coming to desire this same living water by ordering our life towards Christ. The world is filled with so much, but it is Christ for whom our heart longs. He is the living water who sustains us. Let us be prepared to encounter Him with great joy as we continue the journey of this Lenten season.
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