Please see How to Use Lection Connection
First Reading and Psalm
- Exodus 17:1-7
- Psalm 95
Second Reading
- Romans 5:1-11
Gospel
- John 4:5-42
Full lections can be read here.
Based on the Readings as Set
After experiencing a miraculous escape from Egypt at the hand of YAHWEH, the people of Israel bitterly complain to Moses that they will now suffer and die because there is no water for them in the wilderness. In spite of this lack of faith, YAHWEH commands Moses to strike a rock with his staff in order to provide life-giving water for his people. The Psalmist calls the people of God to worship him with thanksgiving because of who he is and what he has done for them. He warns them not to be like their ancestors who dared to test YAHWEH by complaining in the wilderness and then were barred from the Promised Land. St. Paul marvels at the grace of God who saved us through Christ while we were still weak, while we were still sinners and enemies. This work of the Holy Spirit enables our sufferings to produce, in turn, endurance, character and a hope that does not disappoint. When Jesus encounters a woman at a well in alien Samaria, he offers her, both a sinner and an enemy, the kind of water that produces eternal life. Through their conversation she comes to recognize him as Messiah and goes home to share the good news with her neighbours. When his disciples try to get Jesus to eat, he teaches them that true food is to do the work of God. He then stays in the area to preach the word to the Samaritans made receptive through the testimony of the woman.
As Introductions
Old Testament
After experiencing a miraculous escape from Egypt at the hand of YAHWEH, the people of Israel bitterly complain to Moses that they will now suffer and die because there is no water for them in the wilderness. In spite of this lack of faith, YAHWEH commands Moses to strike a rock with his staff in order to provide life-giving water for his people.
Psalm
The Psalmist calls the people of God to worship him with thanksgiving because of who he is and what he has done for them. He warns them not to be like their ancestors who dared to test YAHWEH by complaining in the wilderness and then were barred from the Promised Land.
New Testament
St. Paul marvels at the grace of God who saved us through Christ while we were still weak, while we were still sinners and enemies. This work of the Holy Spirit enables our sufferings to produce, in turn, endurance, character and a hope that does not disappoint.
Gospel
When Jesus encounters a woman at a well in alien Samaria, he offers her, both a sinner and an enemy, the kind of water that produces eternal life. Through their conversation she comes to recognize him as Messiah and goes home to share the good news with her neighbours. When his disciples try to get Jesus to eat, he teaches them that true food is to do the work of God. He then stays in the area to preach the word to the Samaritans made receptive through the testimony of the woman.