Lenten Reflection

Third Sunday of Lent (March 8)

Reflection:

“The spirit of the institute is, above all, the spirit of Jesus Christ himself.”  (Constitutions, 1852)

Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we strive always for “that mind which was in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5); we seek to live as Jesus did, striving always to do God’s will.  In this spirit we are present to the world through our service and through our mission of witnessing to the Provident God.” (Constitutions #2)

Readings:

Exodus 17:3-7 (Give us water to drink.)

Romans 5:1-2.5-8 (The love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us.)

John 4:5-42 (A spring of water welling up to eternal life)

Reflection Questions:

1. 1. The Israelites grumbled against God in the desert, and the Samaritan woman sought the well to quench her thirst. What is the ‘water’ that my soul is longing for today?
      Am I settling for the temporary pleasures the world offers and overlooking the fundamental thirst of my soul?
   2. Jesus reveals who He is and offers the ‘living water’ that will never thirst. How deeply do I trust in His merciful touch, which reaches out to give me this living water without condemnation?
   3. Upon realizing that Jesus is the Messiah, the woman left her water jar behind and rushed to tell the town the joyful news. How has the joy of personally encountering the Lord transformed my life? What is my own ‘water jar’ that I must willingly let go of to follow the Lord more freely?

Closing Prayer: Congregational Chapter 2026 Prayer

Provident God, give us a sense of your Presence on our Holy Adventure together.

Strengthen our trust in your providential love and care

as we explore new paths for the future before us.

Open us to see possibilities, give us the courage to embrace them,

and to enter into this Congregational Chapter

ready to embark on a Holy Adventure with You.  Amen

Sr. Barbara McMullen