We read in John 4:5-42 about Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well. You know the story about how Jesus asks her for a drink, and in their back-and-forth, He teaches, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst.” She replies, “Sir, give me this water so that I may not be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water (13-15).”
I get it. The Samaritan woman doesn’t want to have to schlep that heavy bucket anymore. She wants her physical thirst sated. So do I. But, when we base our happiness on what we can draw from the well of stuff, our sense of security and contentment on things such as housing, cars, entertainments, and increasing financial balances, they will never be enough.
The world lures us with its enticements of wealth, power, contentment, prestige, and pleasure. We’re told these are the things we need to be happy. But Jesus reminds us that material things never truly satisfy us. We find that even when we get what we want, we always want more. Ecclesiastes 5:9 tells us, “The covetous are never satisfied with money, nor lovers of wealth with their gain; this too is vanity.” Instead, we are to seek the Kingdom of God first above all things. When we seek the kingdom of God first, then we will have all else besides (Mt. 6:33).
Markets crash; cars get dents and scratches. More stuff usually just adds more stress in our lives. True joy and peace come only when we follow Jesus, drinking the water He provides by receiving Him in the Eucharist and being obedient to His word. By being humble, other-centered, and self-sacrificing. Trust that God loves you and wants the best for you. Trust that He knows your needs and will give you this water, His water. Put Him first in your life, including first in your spending, and gain all else besides.
“Arm yourself with prayer rather than a sword; wear humility rather than fine clothes.” St. Dominic
Photo Credit: Robert Davis
Podcast: Play in new window | Download