“Give me a drink.” (John 4:7) These words from today’s Gospel proclamation sound different from but truly compare with Jesus’ words later in John (below) that we will consider this Wednesday evening.

To the Samaritan woman he offers a request. To his mother, Mary, Jesus offers a statement of gift and relationship. In each case, the words of Jesus say more than the person hearing them can fully understand. John draws out at considerable length the conversation between Jesus and the woman at the well during which Jesus teaches her, guides her, encourages her. By the time he speaks to Mary from the cross, there is no opportunity for such a lengthy discussion. She will learn his meaning from the treasures stored up in her heart, and from the Holy Spirit and the Disciples in their earliest and foundational experiences as Church.

     Let us listen that we might hear, even if God’s meaning will only penetrate over time.