Last week I proposed that we listen the voice of Jesus, who always speaks the truth about who we are.  This week the gospel invites us to remember that Jesus gives us water that becomes a spring in us, that if we drink it we will never thirst, that Jesus is water that truly satisfies.  It invites us to be discerning about moments in our lives where we are truly joyful, where everything makes sense, where we experience true peace.  Have you had any moments like that recently?

I was able to visit my sister and her family in Texas last week, when I was there for a meeting.  My time there with her was short, so we had to use it well.  But we did!  Instead of distracting ourselves by going to a movie, we want to a beautiful place in nature and were just able to talk for several hours.  The time passed gently, beautifully.  It was so easy to just be with her.  Afterwards I had the sense that the time was well spent, and I felt satisfied and peaceful.  Nothing we talked about was earth-shaking, but it was a reminder to me of how important she is, and how important relationships are. It was truly satisfying.

During Lent we do small penances like giving up sweets, or a particular food like chips, or maybe even coffee (which would be impossible for me!)  We do this because we are trying to remind ourselves that these things are not what ultimately satisfy us.  They might make us feel good for a moment or two, but very soon the satisfaction fades.  Rather, we are invited to place our trust and hope in experiences like I had with my sister, where at some deep level God is reminding us of what is really true, of what really satisfies us.

I must say something about the news, which has been challenging.  Adding to the challenges of immigration in which we find ourselves, we as a country are now in a war with Iran.  We pray for peace.  And we remind ourselves that in our relationships we choose to resolve our conflicts in peaceful ways.  I truly believe that a truly satisfying sense of self, whether individually or as a country, will only come when we realize again and again that we belong to one another.  And that together we belong to God.