We Thirst for You Lord

Third Sunday of Lent

First Reading: Exodus 17: 3-7

Second Reading: Romans 5: 1-2, 5-8

Gospel: John 4: 5-42

 

The story of the good Samaritan gives us another example of Jesus controversial teaching and outreach to parts of society that were deemed off limits by the cultural and political structures of that time.  Samaria was a land of Gentiles and Samaritans were only considered little better than Lepers in terms of social class.  But Jesus frequently traveled to the land and performed numerous miracles there.  We can see in this context how Jesus truly is a good shepherd, leaving the 99 in flock in search for the single lost sheep to be brought back.  Jesus goes to the people on the margins of society because he wants those last to be first, the least to be greatest, and to give them the hope of heaven.

 

In the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus encounters the woman at the well.  She is on her sixth marriage and is an outcast from her own society.  Jesus doesn’t condemn her but forgives her.  Jesus shows her that a love exists that can’t be provided by the people or things of this world.  A Love from Himself, a Love from God, that can lead her to true happiness and to heaven.