Thirsty?

The Gospel of John pericope about the Samaritan woman at the well is about thirst. A woman’s thirst for authentic relationship and love. She had been “through the wringer” of marriage, having had five husbands and now living with a boyfriend. We are not brought into a story of condemnation of her situation, but of her encounter with living water at the well, with Jesus. He offers her water that will quench her thirst, for eternity. He tells her about her life, without judgment, but with insight into her soul, and a piercing knowledge of her needs.


The metaphor of water speaks to a desert community in first century Palestine. It speaks to us also in the Southeast, who so recently were in drought conditions.


Lent is a time of entering into drought, coming face to face with our thirst for something more real, lasting, deeply satisfying. A taste of the water that does not require us to keep returning to the well to quench our desire.


Thirst is a natural, inborn response of our bodies to the lack of hydration. I have heard it said that by the time we actually feel thirsty, we may already be entering dehydration. We are encouraged to drink water throughout the day, to improve our health.


Are you drinking enough living water?