The noonday sun shone high above the wells of Jacob. Little did the Samaritan woman know that the Son of God seated on the well awaited her. What surprises, what gifts she was to receive in this encounter with the Messiah! She was startled by Jesus’ request for a drink of water. His thirst was more than physical. He longed to give her “living water ‘. This water will be a “spring of water welling up to eternal life” in her soul.

This prophet knew her personal life, but He offered her, and through her, the Samaritan people a chance to “worship the Father in Spirit and truth”. When she spoke of the Messiah whom they hoped for, Jesus said, “I am he, the one speaking with you.” She was so overcome by this news that she left her water jar and ran to tell the townspeople of her meeting with Jesus.

Jesus is the source of all grace – living water. During Lent let us pray that our Crucified Lord will soften the hearts of sinners so that they will return to him.