Over the next few Sundays the gospel readings focus on key themes that will be celebrated at the Easter Vigil - water, light, and life. They also tell the story of the deepening faith of individuals as they encounter the Lord Jesus. They are therefore very useful to us as we continue our Lenten journey which takes us to the Triduum and also more deeply into the Mystery of Christ.

Today's gospel tells the delightful story of the woman at the well. Notice how the woman changes her response to Jesus as she converses with him. At the start he is simply another 'Jew', by the end she realises that he is the promised Messiah. Many of those on their journey to baptism at the Easter Vigil will have a similar story to tell of how they came to realise who Jesus really is and what that means for their lives. But every Christian is called to grow in their faith in Jesus and come to a more profound realisation of what it means to say that he is Lord.

At the Vigil the waters of the font will be living waters to those who come for baptism but also for those who renew their baptismal promises. Sunday's gospel reveals Jesus as the living water who alone can quench our spiritual thirst.

P.D.