Lent 3A

[RCL] Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1-11; John 4:5-42 Exodus 17:1-7 Here, in the wilderness, we find the Israelites just outside of Sinai, so near and still so far. However, the distance is made so long not because there is far to walk, but because their hearts have wandered once again back toward Egypt, even…

Exodus 17:1-7 After their release from the Egyptian regime, the Israelites spent time wandering in the wilderness, a barren and unforgiving land that untouched by culture. It is here that the Israelites start to form an identity as a people, but they face a daunting challenge. The bodies and consciousness of the Israelites are still…

Exodus 17:1-7 The Israelites are weary and thirsty in the wilderness, and in their desperation, they demand divine providence in the form of water. Moses is, perhaps, a bit frustrated by their rancorousness, but God rushes forth to nourish the people with a stream from the rock at Horeb. What do we make of these…

Exodus 17:1-7 As I spend time with this portion of Exodus, I am struck by the Israelites last question: “Is the Lord among us or not?” They have traveled long distances, led by a man claiming to be chosen by God to guide them, and now they are without water. They are becoming frustrated and…