There is a distinctive spiritual message to be taken from today’s three biblical authors. And it reveals itself to us through the desire to have our bodily and spiritual thirsts satisfied.

The Exodus details Israel’s predicament in the wilderness. Without water there, they and their children and livestock are destined to die from thirst. So, through Moses, their intercessor with God, a miracle saves them all. This is a further proof that the God of Israel possesses not only incredible power, but is also a compassionate being whose goodness is never exhausted. That is really most evident despite Israel’s discontent and habitual waywardness.

Paul’s thinking in Romans today revolves around faith, hope and love. Because human life had been greatly weakened by sin, there was a serious need for divine intervention to remedy that situation and so restore humanity to a right or just state of existence. Enlightened by faith and living in hope, we humans can recognise that perfect form of love made visible in Christ’s sacrifice on behalf of all sinners. Again, this is something only made possible by the hand of God.

Today’s Gospel exchange between Jesus and the Samaritan woman is a delightful piece of dialogue that well illustrates the difference between natural and spiritual needs. What Jesus offers this woman – with her background – is far more than anything she might have ever expected. His living water changes her life, taking her in quite a different direction. Such is her introduction to this new life that she immediately becomes the messenger who leads many others to believe in Jesus and his offer of eternal life.

This special set of biblical readings is a suitable means for all of us to enter into reflection and judge how we might grow spiritually during these weeks of Lent.

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These readings give insight into the divine plan that has been working itself out in human history. But it is particularly God’s intervention in that history that is to the fore today.

When, in Genesis, the Lord speaks to Abraham for the first time, his words are profoundly challenging. Having to uproot himself from a settled life in Haran and head off to an unknown land surely strikes us as daring and perhaps even foolhardy. However, in light of what God promises him, the foretold blessings are an enormous influence. And so, Abraham responds unhesitatingly, trusting valiantly in the future good to come.

That faith that Abraham exemplifies is also evident in the few words from 2 Timothy. At the heart of these verses is everyone’s call to live out the message of the Gospel. And that is a task only possible because of three things. They are God’s power given to us, the grace made ours because of Jesus Christ, and the light of the Gospel that envelops all our thinking and acting. This Pauline perspective is fit encouragement to become what God has called us to be.

What is revealed through Matthew’s transfiguration scene is yet another means of calling us to deeper faith in the mystery of Christ. For when we eavesdrop on God’s words here, we are being invited to profess our faith in Jesus, the Beloved of God, whose life, death and Resurrection hold the key to all future life. It is up to us to open our ears and respond to the call that is made anew this Lent.

Our hearing of all three readings this Sunday reminds us that the faith we share is precious. It is a faith that we pray will grow stronger, so as to be graced with blessings in abundance.

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Today, biblical thinking guides our understanding of what God asks of his people. And the image of light looms large in this context, because it emphasises the effect our lives are meant to produce.

Because of all the woes and sadness suffered in the wake of the exile, Isaiah is consciously developing in the people of Israel a renewed sense of positive thinking, looking to the future. The way forward demands a new attitude to life, one centred on being a light for others. In essence, this means learning again how right concern for one’s neighbours makes for a brighter future. By their express love for the community at large, a people’s personal witness shines a light on the good deeds willed by God and designed for daily faith and lifestyle.

Paul’s focus this Sunday is on the Gospel he proclaims. He says, quite simply, that his mission is to bring the mystery of God alive for all his listeners. Taking the crucified Jesus as his key image, he professes that he is only able to accomplish his task because of the powerful divine presence of the Father and the Spirit. This Gospel focus is, for him, the essence of Christian faith.

Jesus’ words in Matthew regarding the light are complementary to the Isaiah text. They nicely illustrate the function of light within the dark interior of an ancient Palestinian house. For the light must be placed in the right spot to dispel the house’s natural darkness. Comparing that to the Christian life, one’s good deeds are the light – openly and fittingly honouring God the Father.

Following a simple line of thought, these biblical authors help us know immediately what God asks of us. We are to be shining examples of God’s will so that the world may also see the light.

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