Exodus 17:3-7; Psalm 94(95); Romans 5:1-2,5-8; John 4:5-42
Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt about 1300 BC, probably under Ramses II. God gave them food and water while they wandered in the wilderness. But they grumbled, losing faith that “God was with them”. “Massah” means “test”, “Meribah” means “quarrelling”. As this was before they made the covenant with God by Sinai, they are not punished yet. But this generation will not enter the promised land.
The Psalm invites us to praise and worship the Lord daily, for he is our king and shepherd. We must not lose faith in God, as did the Israelites on their desert journey.
Paul tells the Romans that God loves and forgives us, just as he continued caring for the ungrateful Israelites. Christ died for us, proving God’s love, gaining pardon for all humanity and access to his grace through faith.
We hear the first 3 gospels over 3 years, but we hear parts of John’s gospel every year during Lent and Easter. Today Jesus encounters the Samaritan woman at the well. John carefully moves the characters on and off stage as the woman gradually comes towards faith in Jesus. Then, while still unsure, she goes and brings the rest of the Samaritans in her town to hear this man, wondering “Could he possibly be the Messiah?”
(Exodus 17:3-7; Psalm 94(95); Romans 5:1-2,5-8; John 4:5-42)