Just a word before we go...Third Sunday of Lent...March 12, 2023

It’s all about water today.  In the Exodus reading Moses, by the grace of God, strikes the rock in Horeb, producing life-saving water for the Hebrew people wandering in the desert.

In the Gospel, Jesus asks for a drink of water from a Samaritan woman.  In turn, Jesus promises her water that will well up to eternal life...living water.  Amazingly, upon hearing about such miraculous water, the woman didn’t walk away in disbelief, but continued to converse with Jesus, in violation (for both of them) of the cultural and religious norms of the day. For some reason, she was intrigued by this man who knew her history.  The woman let the Lord in, to point out those places in her that needed to be filled with Living Water.  She allowed her entire life to be a venue through which the Lord would teach, about forgiveness, mercy, compassion and gentleness.  Her humility ennobled her to become a messenger of salvation to her people. 

This Gospel brought to mind Pope Francis, whose tenth anniversary of election as pope will be marked this Monday, March 13.  Pope Francis has implemented many reforms promulgated by the Second Vatican Council, viewing the Church as the people of God, and calling for greater involvement of lay women and men in the life and governance of the Church. The Church has become more outward focused toward mission, with greater attention to those on the margins.  Co-responsibility and collaboration are valued; his vision is for a listening church, one of encounter and accompaniment, not judgment, a church which the Holy Spirit is calling us to be. The current synodality process is a prime example of the pope’s vision.

Reflecting on his 10th anniversary, the pope has said the following: “The holy, faithful people of God are this: everyone.  Each one of its member is a sinner AND part of the holy, faithful people of God.”  When asked why some feel excluded, the pope responded, “Sin is always there. There are men of the church, women of the church, who create this distance. We must not forget this: the church is not a home for some, it is not selective.”  Pope Francis, this global environmental leader, this emissary of peace, is at heart a pastor.  He, like the woman at the well, has allowed his life and his pontificate to be a venue through which the Lord would teach, about forgiveness, mercy, compassion and gentleness. 

Pope Francis has become a channel through which the living water promised by Jesus flows. His humility has ennobled him to become a messenger of salvation to all people. 

May God continue to bless him and us, with his presence and example.