The One Who Is Speaking to You

Angelica Kauffman [Public domain],
via Wikimedia Commons

Third Sunday of Lent

By Melanie Rigney

In those days, in their thirst for water, the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “Why did you ever make us leave Egypt? Was it just to have us die here of thirst with our children and our livestock?” So Moses cried out to the LORD, “What shall I do with these people?” (Exodus 17:3-4)

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.  (Psalm 95:8)

And hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For Christ, while we were still helpless, died at the appointed time for the ungodly. (Romans 5:5-6)

The (Samaritan) woman said to him, “I know that the Messiah is coming, the one called the Christ; when he comes, he will tell us everything.” Jesus said to her, “I am he, the one who is speaking to you.” (John 4:25-26)

Piety

Lord, help me to stay out of the way as I serve as a vessel for Your work.

Study

We all have them, those special people in our lives who reflect Christ to us on every occasion. They listen when we are in despair, admonish us with love when we are down a bad path, and provide guidance when we are unsure of where the Lord wishes us to go (or we are sure, but are loath to go there). We live with them, work with them, worship with them. And, occasionally, we thank them and God for the special lights they are in our lives.

We are less quick to recognize, perhaps, the way in which the Lord works through us. When we treat the Street Sense salesman with respect and wish him a safe evening, it is Jesus speaking to him. When we listen for the umpteenth time to a young woman’s romantic disappointment instead of quickly assuring her the sorrow will pass, it is Jesus speaking to her. When we share the fits-and-starts story of our own faith journey to a woman looking to find her way back to the Church, it is Jesus speaking to her.

The Samaritan woman was right. The Messiah came and told the people everything. And He continues to do so today, sometimes through the very ungodly people for whom He died at the appointed time.

Action

Be brave. Let the Lord comfort people through you today.