Quenching the deepest thirst of the heart

Scripture for Mass

Exodus 17:3-7

Psalm 95(94):1-2. 6-7b. 7c-9. Response:7c,8a

Romans 5:1-2, 5-8

John 4:5-42

The number of recipes and demonstration videos for various dishes has risen sharply in recent years. On the one hand a growing number of people believe that their culinary insights are worth publicising, and on the other hand more people are continually searching for dishes that will tickle their taste buds in a uniquely satisfying way. Clearly, we crave for something that remains elusive.

Could it be, however, that this insatiable craving is not a symptom of empty stomachs but rather hollow hearts – a hunger for purpose and meaning in life, a thirst for unconditional love and acceptance? C.S. Lewis takes our understanding of these yearnings one step further when he writes, ‘If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.’

In his encounter with the Samaritan woman, Jesus explains that this other world is drawing very near to her, that it comes as a gift from God to quench her deep thirst, and that it is in fact Jesus himself! Moreover, he conveys all this not only through words but also through his gracious presence and respectful manner of conversation.

In today’s second reading, St. Paul confirms that this other world has already drawn near to us because ‘God’s love has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.’

However, it is only through faith in such astonishing nearness and generosity that God can reward our searching and satisfy our craving.