In those days, in their thirst for water,
the people grumbled against Moses,
saying, “Why did you ever make us leave Egypt?
Was it just to have us die here of thirst 
with our children and our livestock?”
So Moses cried out to the LORD, 
“What shall I do with this people?
a little more and they will stone me!”
The LORD answered Moses,
“Go over there in front of the people, 
along with some of the elders of Israel, 
holding in your hand, as you go, 
the staff with which you struck the river.
I will be standing there in front of you on the rock in Horeb.
Strike the rock, and the water will flow from it 
for the people to drink.”
This Moses did, in the presence of the elders of Israel.
The place was called Massah and Meribah, 
because the Israelites quarreled there
and tested the LORD, saying,
“Is the LORD in our midst or not?”

Exodus 17: 3-7

Here are the complete readings for Sunday, March 23, 2025

(“Christ and the Samaritan Woman” by Ivan Mestrovic)

In the narratives in Exodus and in the Gospel of John, people struggle with their preconceptions of what they need and how they will find it. Both stories focus the need for water, an essential human need. How does the water symbolize the need for loving connection between human beings and God, without which we become thirsty, then parched, then desperate? In both stories, the people receive a revelation about the source of their suffering, and the simple but difficult decisions they need to make in order to repair their fractured relationships. Most importantly, they are guided by God through patience and compassion, both of which we are called to be to our neighbors who hunger and thirst.

As you prayerfully reflect on the past,
assess the present,
and ponder the future with one another,
be considerate of this history
and of this ministry.
Yet, like Ryken,
foster an attitude of openness
to the needs of the Church and your world,
and a willingness to follow Christ
wherever He leads. – The Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

God, you know our hearts and souls, and give us everything we need. Help us to reflect on how the ordinary needs of our neighbors affect us and our journey of life. May we be open to who you call us to be today and beyond. Give us the courage to be open to the challenges and opportunities of your discipleship.

Amen