On Sunday 8th March at 6.30pm in church, our monthly choral Evensong service.

Both of our readings today are about finding water in a dry place.  Using the metaphor of water in the desert the scriptures explore how the struggle for survival in tough times affects our relationships with God and with one another.   And, offers some strategies, not just for surviving but for thriving. 

In Exodus 17:1-7, when his people express their need, Moses is defensive and hostile and conflict ensues.  Blame will only increase the hostility.  Trust is what is needed.  God responds by inviting both Moses and the people to trust one another and restore their relationship so that they might journey forward together.

The conflict explored in John 4:5-42 is the brutal and longstanding one between the Israelites and the Samaritans which has led to a complete breakdown of relationship between the two groups.  

Jesus seeks to repair this relationship by first acknowledging his own vulnerability and asking for help.  He extends trust towards an enemy and an outsider.  Beside the well, both Jesus and the Samaritan woman confront their shared human need: they need water to live and the best way to get it is with each other. 

Meeting by wells in scripture (particularly this well, which appears in the stories of Abraham, Issac and Jacob) always mark a new beginning.  The new life which becomes possible when people who have been distant and different take the risk of journeying together.

The readings invite us to reflect, on how we cope when times are hard, who we blame, who we shut out; and on how we can begin to build trust where there is none, so that, together, we may not only survive but thrive.