Remembering Japan
In today’s Gospel (John 4), Jesus is thirsty and asks the first person he sees for water. This woman is a Samaritan and in those days certain cultural groups just did not mix. Jesus was Jewish and she was a Samaritan, two groups that did not mix or dwell together. Jesus replied to her that if she only knew who He was (Son of God) that she herself would never thirst again. The woman had some sense that she was talking to a very special man, one who was willing to share water, conversation, and friendship with her, putting aside all cultural and religious differences. Jesus was in need of water to quench His human thirst and she was in need of “water” (living water) to quench her spiritual thirst.
As I read this Gospel I find myself thinking of the Japanese people. A proud nation facing unthinkable devastation and unbearable suffering. Looking into their faces on the tv news reports I see a terrible sadness but yet also resilience and hope. They may be too proud to verbally ask us for “a drink” but their eyes say it all. They are “thirsty” and need “living water.”
During Lent, we are asked to pray, fast and give alms. I ask you today to pause and reflect upon people in your life who may be thirsty, thirsty for basic needs, company, and spiritual fulfillment. I ask you to think of ways to provide the living water of Jesus to those who need Him so desperately. Remember those in Japan who need your prayers and alms. Perhaps you could dedicate a personal fast as well to show solidarity with those in Japan who may be starving and dehydrated. Let us open our hearts and give them drink as Jesus would. By sharing the Living Water Jesus quells our thirst as well. So… pause and look around… who is asking you for a drink?
God Bless, Holly Clark
In today’s Gospel (John 4), Jesus is thirsty and asks the first person he sees for water. This woman is a Samaritan and in those days certain cultural groups just did not mix. Jesus was Jewish and she was a Samaritan, two groups that did not mix or dwell together. Jesus replied to her that if she only knew who He was (Son of God) that she herself would never thirst again. The woman had some sense that she was talking to a very special man, one who was willing to share water, conversation, and friendship with her, putting aside all cultural and religious differences. Jesus was in need of water to quench His human thirst and she was in need of “water” (living water) to quench her spiritual thirst.
As I read this Gospel I find myself thinking of the Japanese people. A proud nation facing unthinkable devastation and unbearable suffering. Looking into their faces on the tv news reports I see a terrible sadness but yet also resilience and hope. They may be too proud to verbally ask us for “a drink” but their eyes say it all. They are “thirsty” and need “living water.”
During Lent, we are asked to pray, fast and give alms. I ask you today to pause and reflect upon people in your life who may be thirsty, thirsty for basic needs, company, and spiritual fulfillment. I ask you to think of ways to provide the living water of Jesus to those who need Him so desperately. Remember those in Japan who need your prayers and alms. Perhaps you could dedicate a personal fast as well to show solidarity with those in Japan who may be starving and dehydrated. Let us open our hearts and give them drink as Jesus would. By sharing the Living Water Jesus quells our thirst as well. So… pause and look around… who is asking you for a drink?
God Bless, Holly Clark
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