Lent 3 - Jesus is Thirsty

JESUS IS THIRSTY (John: 4:1-42)

Image: Unsplash/Jimmy Chang

Jesus and his disciples are leaving Judea where Jesus had turned water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana, and where he made a lot of enemies by cleansing the temple of its money-changers, and where John the Baptist had been baptizing with water.  Jesus’ followers were also baptizing with water. 

While these events may not have occurred simultaneously in John’s Gospel, we can be sure that Jesus was tired and thirsty when he and his disciples reached Jacob’s well in the land of Samaria on their way to Galilee.

“Will you give me a drink?” Jesus said to the Samaritan woman.  She obviously had to be asked and did not anticipate that here was a thirsty man waiting for a helping hand to relieve his thirst.  She saw only a Jewish man who would reject, with contempt, a Samaritan woman. 

Surprise!  Jesus uses his thirst to reveal his weakness and invites this woman at the well to thirst for water to drink so that she will never be thirsty again.  As we continue to read Chapter 4 in John’s Gospel we see that many Samaritans in the town believed in Jesus on the strength of the woman’s word of testimony: “He told me everything I ever did.” 

Jesus’ thirst at the well eventually transformed the entire town into “thirsty” believers;  Jesus really is, “the Savior of the world”.

-Sister Elaine Cole, CSJ

Encounters on the Trail

The rewards of walking on London, Ontario’s trails exceed that of mere exercise.   I meet friendly cyclists, walkers, pedestrians, and dogs.  I listen to birds, search for frogs in springtime, and experience the constant changes in the weather and scenery.  Occasionally there is an intriguing encounter. 

Image: Unsplash/Blake Lisk

Today I met a man, whom I will name, Joseph, who was walking up a slope from a tent on the river’s edge. He had descended to the tent to check on the welfare of the occupant because of the very cold temperature.  The tent’s owner was absent, and the walker expressed hope that the tent-dweller was in a safe, warm place.  Joseph spoke about his regular walking tours of London’s trails. He described having urged a tent dweller on another trail to seek temporary shelter; this man had declined the suggestion, stating that several blankets kept him sufficiently warm and that staying in a men’s shelter was too dangerous.  Joseph spoke of another occasion in which he had met a young female tent dweller, convinced her to leave her unsafe location, and assisted her to find refuge from her alcohol-addicted boyfriend. Walking the trails in London to search for people in need is a regular practice of this good Samaritan.  

We conversed together about the difficulties for people who have no homes, the lack of adequate resources, and the failure of past efforts to remedy a grievous problem in our city. We also noted the anonymous donation of twenty-five million dollars for a new effort to overcome homelessness, the willing cooperation of several organizations to remedy an untenable situation, and the skilled leadership from the city that together provide hope that London can, at last, overcome a longstanding calamity. 

Patricia McKeon, CSJ 

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day

Guest Blogger – Maryam Monsef, Peterborough Ontario

Maryam is a former Cabinet Minister in the Liberal Government and held the portfolio of Minister for Women and Gender Equality.  She is currently at Trent University, Peterborough obtaining a Masters Degree in Canadian and Indigenous Studies.

During my time in Government, March 8th was one of the busiest and most enjoyable days of the year.  With so many inspiring events taking place at home, across Canada, and around the world, preparation for the day itself, would fill my cup for months.

I first experienced the magic of International Women’s Day right here in Peterborough in a church space filled with feminists, do-gooders and allies from all walks of life.  I remember the energy in the room, the thoughtful and courageous speakers, the breaking of bread with other human beings and feeling safe in my own skin.  I knew I wanted to be part of this sisterhood, and loved showing up to all future gatherings, as well as the “oh-so-early” International Person’s Breakfasts convened by a long time feminist.

Image: Unsplash/Vonecia Carswell

What do I remember when I close my eyes and think of those early days of discovering what community means?  A feeling of belonging,  and being empowered by the strength of other feminists who have come before me and those around me, hearing inspiring stories of resilience and progress that have paved the way for women like me. 

Happy International Women’s Day!

-Maryam Monsef