In today’s Scripture readings we hear much about the people being thirsty.  In the first reading from Exodus 17:3-7 we hear of Moses’ angst over the cries of the people.  God tells Moses to strike his staff on the rock in Horeb, “and the water will flow from it for the people to drink”.  In the Gospel from John 4:5-42, we hear the dialogue between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well.  She has gone to gather water to drink.  Jesus tells her of water He can give that if she drinks it, she “will never thirst.”  This sounds very appealing to her as she is only able to consider her selfish desires such as no longer having to carry the heavy bucket or drawing water at the hottest part of the day due to her being outcast by society.  We must refer to today’s second reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans for a clue.  In Romans 5:1-2, 5-8 Saint Paul explains that because of our faith, “the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us”.  In His exchange with the Samaritan woman, Jesus is speaking of the Holy Spirit, as received through the “living water” of Baptism.

   As we continue our Lenten journey we must ask ourselves what it is we are thirsting for.  Are we seeking to quench the thirst of our spirits or that of our flesh?  Despite our best efforts we often find ourselves “thirsting” for so many things of this world while we neglect to provide for our spiritual needs.  On this Third Sunday of Lent we may already be looking past Easter Sunday and missing out on the many opportunities we have to grow closer to our Lord.  Just a few weeks ago on Ash Wednesday we began our Lenten journey with a resolve to increase our prayer, fasting and almsgiving.  How are we doing in these three areas?  As we continue our journey and find ourselves beginning to thirst for that which our flesh desires, let us be reminded of the need to seek the Holy Spirit and in doing so, there will be nothing else we shall want.