Photo Credit Timon Studler Unsplash
By Tashia Toupin
“Oh that today you would listen to God’s voice. Harden not your hearts!” These bold words require a commitment to deep listening. How does God call us? Where can we go to hear this voice? Moreover, what does this voice have to say if we can listen to it?
I cannot give you the answers to these questions; this is something that you have to figure out on your own. God can find each one of us and speak into our hearts in a way that will resonate with us. Being amongst nature is often a place where people meditate, pray, and encounter the Divine. Jesus did this when he went into the desert at the start of his ministry or before his Passion in the garden. Many people go to water. There is something mysterious and evocative about it. Water is the source of life! It is a transcendent ritualistic symbol in almost every time and culture. It is through water that we enter the Church. It was what the Israelites were searching for in the desert and where Jesus encountered the Samaritan woman.
Many refugees from Eritrea cross the desert to Israel, a bit more of a trek than the Israelites, but the same desert. The search for water, shelter, food and respite would have been much the same. Today there is a forced exile of thousands of Eritreans from their homeland. There needs to be more ink spilt on the subject. The situation is dire. If you want to learn more, you can follow this link: https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2022/country-chapters/eritrea#223d5a.
When faced with the harsh realities of the plight of so many people, how can we respond? What is God’s voice calling to us to do? Our first reading, the person of Moses, offers us a model we can use. The Israelites complain to Moses, and he immediately calls out to God. He is earnest in his request. He wants what is best for them and him. He does not presuppose the answer that God will give him. By that, I mean sometimes we pray for a particular outcome; at least, I do. I already have the answer, or so I think, and I want God to affirm that. This is the act of a slightly hardened heart. On the other hand, Moses simply asks, “what shall I do with these people?” God’s response is to enable Moses to perform a miracle. He strikes the rock at Horeb, and life-giving water bursts forth!
With God, all things are possible. We have to cooperate, though. We have the resources, infrastructure, and the best people to make real changes for those of us who are forced out of their homes and counties. God can make miracles happen with and through us.
This week’s invitation is for you to find a quiet place. Somewhere you feel at peace and comfortable. Reread this Sunday’s gospel and imagine yourself as the Samaritan Woman.
- She is surprised that a Jew would be talking to her.
- Who are the people in your life that you don’t usually interact with? She sacrifices to go to the well in the heat of the day, partially because she is forced to.
- What sacrifices have you made, or are you forced to make others’ lives more convenient?
- What are the sacrifices that others make for you?
- This outcast woman helps Jesus.
- Where are the places in our lives where Jesus asks us for help?
- How can we respond positively as the Samaritan Woman does?
- Jesus’ encounter compelled this woman to share her experience, and “many Samaritans from that city believed in Jesus because of the woman’s testimony.”
- Who are the people we can share out love of God with?
Allow God to work miracles through your life.
