All living things, especially humans, need water to survive. We drink water when we need hydration. Even in our bodies, most of what flows in our blood is water, with research showing that human blood is almost 85% water. When we think about this, we realize how essential water truly is. That said, many of you already know why I am speaking about water today. This weekend’s liturgical readings invite us to reflect on it. Beyond water, however, there are other basic human needs such as food, shelter, comfort, healthy relationships, safety, and the freedom to choose what is right without pressure. These are also essential for human life and happiness.
In the first reading (Exodus 17:3-7), the people of Israel were thirsty, but they grumbled against Moses and complained about God. In the Gospel (John 4:5-42), the Samaritan woman was also thirsty and came to the Well-pool where she met Jesus. In the interaction that followed, the need for water became mutual, with Jesus asking her for water and her asking Jesus for water. The second reading (Romans 5:1-2, 5-8) completes the message with the assurance of God’s Word and the Hope that does not disappoint. It reminds us that when we ask, we receive; when we seek, we find; and when we knock, doors are opened to us (Matthew 7:7; Luke 11:9).
From these readings, we can learn a few simple lessons. First, just as we need water, we all have real human needs, such as for love, safety, food, and care. Second, it is not wrong to ask for what we need, whether from one another or from institutions responsible for helping people, such as the government. What I have to tell us is to ask respectfully rather than complain, or, worse still, sit back and do nothing. Third, when someone or an organization helps meet our needs, we should be grateful. Fourth, we should also give back (we hear it often said that ‘one good turn deserves another) by supporting and protecting the provisions we have through responsible care, cooperation, and even civic duties such as paying our taxes so that resources can serve others as well, and additional resources spread across other needs that we may have. Fifth, and finally, these are the reflections that came to my heart to share with you this weekend.
