St. Mary's Catholic Church of Tomahawk, WI

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

We are in the third week of Lent. In the first reading we hear that the people of Israel grumbled for a third time against Moses and this time over the lack of water. It was likely that the Amalekites were blocking access to the water and their grumbling shows their distrust of God. Perhaps this grumbling was a symbol of contention and strife of the people but God did not punish them for their revolt, instead provided them with water from the rock. Do we always trust and stand firm in God’s providence in all situations?

The second reading from the letter to the Romans is so very profound, as it deals with the three cardinal virtues of faith, hope and love. This passage focuses our attention from faith to hope, where the believers are justified by faith. This is possible because Jesus died for sinners and from Jesus’ action flows peace with God, access to grace in the present and future hope of sharing the glory of God. St. Paul affirms that hope does not disappoint us and God has made love manifest by giving believers the gift of the Spirit. How important are these cardinal virtues of faith, hope and love for us?

In the gospel we hear the long and deep conversation of the Lord with a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. It is a gradual process of unfolding who Jesus is to that woman. Though the conversation began about drawing water from that well, the Lord leads her to the concept of the living water. Later He leads her to identify Him as a Prophet, Messiah, Savior and the Son of God. Ultimately the woman motivates the people of the place and draws them to the Lord fulfilling her mission. Do we seek the living waters from our Lord and take up the role of this woman in the Gospel?

Fr. Aloysius Royan Anthony