Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

Have you ever wondered how much work goes into picking the readings for each Mass and how early that process starts? It is always intriguing to see how the readings for each Mass are selected and how clearly they connect in their message. As I reflected on this weekend’s readings, one theme stood out to me: water.

In the first reading, we see Moses demonstrating his faith in God by following His command to strike the rock with his staff. When Moses does this, water flows out and quenches the thirst of the people traveling through the desert. Imagine the relief and joy they must have felt in that moment.

The second reading does not focus directly on water, but it includes a powerful line: “because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” The word poured connects beautifully to the image of water and reminds us that we are filled with God’s love.

Finally, the Gospel highlights the deeper meaning of water in Jesus’ teaching. Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well and speaks to her with compassion and truth. In their conversation, He reveals His identity and offers her something greater than physical water. As Jesus says, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst.”

In other words, Jesus is the living water—the one who truly satisfies and leads us to eternal life.

This message also connects well to the season of Lent. I recently heard a short reflection from an Archbishop who explained that the word Lent comes from the Old English word lencten, meaning “spring.” Spring is a time when we clean, refresh, and renew—our homes, our yards, and our daily routines.

And what is essential to that renewal? Water.

Just as water cleans and brings new life in the spring, Jesus—our living water—cleanses and renews our hearts. During this Lenten season, we are called to turn back to Him, be refreshed in our faith, and prepare ourselves for the new life that Easter brings.

Sincerely,

Mr. Brett Minter

Principal