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February 24, 2008
(see other dates)
Third Sunday of Lent
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Reading 1 Reflection After the Israelites escaped from slavery in Egypt, God took care of their basic needs. God gave them Moses for their leader, and manna and quail for their food. In today's reading, we hear them complaining about the lack of water at their campsite. Think how important water is, especially in the desert. Moses turns to God in desperation. And God hears his prayer. When Moses strikes a rock, water gushes forth. The early fathers of the Church saw this as a reminder of Baptism. Through Baptism, we have been given the gift of God's life. |
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Reading 2 Reflection God's love for the Israelites was made visible in the desert by water flowing from a rock. But God's love was made even more visible for all people at all times through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Like a river that never dries up, the love of God is "poured out in our hearts." |
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Gospel Reflection In this wonderful story from John's Gospel, Jesus gives the Samaritan woman at the well the "living water" of truth. A foreigner, she is hospitable to Jesus and honest with him. In return, he chooses to reveal to her the truth about his identity. The woman rushes off to tell everyone the good news that the Messiah has come. And she is so convincing that the Samaritans come to believe in Jesus on her word. |
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The Water of Life Explain to the children that in today's readings we learn that Jesus gives us the water of life. What is the water of life? It is Baptism. When we were baptized we were immersed in the water of life, or the water of life was poured over us. Every time we go to church, we can remember our Baptism by dipping our fingers into the holy water font and blessing ourselves with the sign of the cross. This blessing with holy water reminds us that we are followers of Jesus. Distribute small rectangular sponges to the children. (Use sponges that are flat and then puff up when placed in water.) Demonstrate how to draw a cross with a black marker on the face of the sponge. Help each child then cut his or her sponge into a cross. Instruct the children to wet the sponge at home, and then place it into a small bowl of water (if possible, holy water). When the family comes together for a meal, ask everyone to touch the cross before making the sign of the cross. This is an at-home reminder that our Baptism with the water of life has made us followers of Jesus. The Gifts of Jesus Point out to the children that today's gospel tells us that Jesus met a woman at Jacob's well. Tell the children that Jacob's well was a very important place. This well was Jacob's gift to the Jewish people. Explain to the children that when Jesus came to the well, he told the woman that he himself was God's greatest gift to her and to all people! Distribute the reproducible master. Explain that the words on the water droplets are gifts of Jesus. Have the children cut out the droplets of water. Then have them place the droplets in a plastic container or bowl. This can be used as the well. Each day this week, they can "dip into Jacob's well" and draw out a gift from Jesus. Remind the children to thank Jesus each day for this gift. |
The Woman at the Well Create a dramatization of the gospel story. Then share it with your family, friends, or some group, such as a senior citizens group. Suggestions are given in italics. Narrator (sets the scene): Jesus stops at a well in enemy territory. A woman is drawing water. Jesus (to the woman): Give me a drink. The Woman: Why are you, a Jewish man, asking me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink? Jesus: If you knew who I am, you'd ask me for living water instead. The Woman: How do you expect to get this water when you don't even have a bucket? Narrator (fills in details of the story): Jesus convinces her that he is the source of the living water of truth and faith. Jesus: God seeks people who will worship in Spirit and in truth. Woman: You must be the Messiah! Wait here. I'm going to tell the others. Narrator (fills in the details): She rushes off to town, and is so convincing that the Samaritans believe her. Samaritans: Now that we've seen Jesus for ourselves, we believe he is the savior of the world! Giving Water in the Desert Do you know people who complain and grumble often? Why do you think they do so? In the first reading the Israelites grumbled because they were afraid. They thought God had forgotten them. But God gave them water in the desert as a sign of God's faithfulness and love. Call to mind someone who seriously complains often. Write one of his or her complaints here. Suggestion: "All other people care about is themselves. No wonder the world is in such a mess." Or? Why do you think the person is complaining? He or she wants to help make a better world, but lacks trust and faith in self and others. Or? Decide on one thing you will do to give this person "water in the desert." I will invite this person to participate in our youth ministry program. Or? Write a prayer that God's love will be poured into this person's heart. Lord, pour your love into _____'s heart. Open up an opportunity for him or her to join with others in making the world a little better. Or? |
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