GIVE DRINK TO THE THIRSTY & COUNSEL THE DOUBTFUL

GIVE DRINK TO THE THIRSTY

“A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, ‘Give me a drink’” (Jn 4: 7). Hunger and thirst are the greatest suffering in the world. Water is one of the five elements of the universe which belongs to everyone on earth. Man can live without food for some days but without water it is difficult to survive. There are disputes between states and countries with regard to water. Everyone is trying to own up the water. But, in reality water is the natural resource for sustenance.

In the beginning of the world God created water (Gen 1:6) and He destroyed the world with water in the time of Noah (Gen 7). In a weeding at Cana Jesus turned the water into Wine (Jn 2: 1-12). Water plays central role in the life of Christians. We are baptized through water. Water also has a capacity to liberate us from hell. Let us remember the words of the rich man to Abraham in heaven. He said, ‘have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue: for I am in agony in these flames’ (Lk 16: 24).

On the cross Jesus said ‘I am thirsty’ (Jn 19: 28) whenever we give a drink for the thirsty, we quench the thirst of the crucified Christ “For I was thirsty you gave me something to drink” (Mt 25: 35). Water gives life to the people. Through this corporal work of mercy – ‘Giving Drink to the Thirsty’ – we gain the life-giving water, which He promised to the Samaritan women “The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life” (Jn 4: 14) and confirmed on the cross ‘blood and water came out’ (Jn 19: 34). Our thirst for salvation would be achieved if we quench the physical thirst of our neighbours.

COUNSEL THE DOUBTFUL

 Everyone has a doubt. It is normal for human beings.  This is vividly seen in the disciples of Jesus. After the death of Jesus the disciples were in dilemma of what would be the next. On the third day news about the resurrection of Jesus intensified their skepticism. The disciples became more flustered. At that moment Jesus comes at their aid on the way to Emmaus. He elucidates the mystery about himself in the scriptures. ‘Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself and in all the prophets’ (Lk 24: 27). He counseled those two disciples on their way to Emmaus and enlightened them.

In the first Christian community when faithful were going astray and committing sins apostles guided and counseled them through their constant visit and epistles. Counsel is the gift of the Holy Spirit. It means paying attention to the needful both spiritually and mentally. The person who is in predicament needs proper mentor and counselor. This has to be done at the right moment in a right way. When St. Thomas doubted about the resurrection of Jesus there came Jesus himself at his help (Jn 20:24-29).

Today young people are in need of counsel. S/he needs some guidance in the moments of doubt especially that of life making choices. They need someone who can lead them in a right path. Can we become their guide? If yes, let us not wait for them to come to us. Rather, let us take the first step to move towards them and be at their service.  For all of us, then, the season of Lent in this Jubilee Year of Mercy is a favourable time to overcome all our doubts about God and listen to His words.