THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

YEAR A – 27 TH FEBRUARY 2005  

S: Good morning today we’re on about quenching our thirst, and many people say “there’s nothing better than a good cup of Tea to quench the thirst, but I’m sure that if the good cup of tea is shared in good company, a lot more than physical thirst is quenched.

B: In this weekends Gospel, John tells the story of when Jesus and the Samaritan woman met at the well. Jesus says, “Anyone who drinks the water that I shall give will never by thirsty again”. I think that Jesus is really speaking about a lot more than water here.

S: But it is interesting that it is the metaphor of water which he uses – because water was critical to the Jews of old as they lived not just on dry land but on desert land, In other words they lived and died by the flow of water, everything depended on it. Water was so crucial to their existence that they made it into a primary religious symbol. It came to stand for God’s goodness, which refreshes the soul.

B: Goodness really does refresh the soul especially during this time of Lent when we are all encouraged to do our best to help those in need. This years Trocaire Lenten Campaign focuses on those in need in Ethiopia. Trocaire reminds us that we are not helpless, that we can do something. This years campaign in particular reminds us that we need to “Stand By Each Other”. So try your best to support Trocaire and their great work.

S: This morning we have a blessing taken from a Lenten prayer service:

As you behold the mystery of creation, may it encompass you.

As you behold the beauty of the earth may it inspire you.

As you behold the wonders of God’s love may it embrace you.

As you behold the generosity of your heart may it lead you.

As you behold the bountifulness of the Almighty may you give thanks.

To God, the creator of the world.

To God, the redeemer of the world.

To God, the Sustainer of the world.

All honour and glory forever and ever.

Amen.

B: Before we go this morning we would like to let you know about a campaign running here in Limerick City for “Fair-trade Status”. Fair trade is about ensuring that producers of goods from the Third World receive a fair percentage of what we pay in the shops for those goods. So for example: Instead of a farmer receiving 5% of the price of that jar of coffee you have just bought, fair-trade seeks to ensure that he receives 20% of the shop price. Now, Fair-trade products are already available in Superquinn, Supervalu, Tesco, Dunnes Stores and some restaurants. Currently this project is being extended to hotels, cafes, colleges, schools and businesses. On Tuesday “Fair-Trade Limerick” will be launched at City Hall at 10pm. Promotion of the Fair-Trade project will take place outside Penney’s next Saturday from 11am to 2pm. Also “Fair-Trade Limerick” will be promoted at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. So the message is: let’s make Limerick a fair-trade city!

S: You have been listening to ‘Just a Thought’ with Seamus Madigan

B: and Brenda Cribbin. We can be contacted through the Limerick Diocesan Offices at 66 O’ Connell Street. Remember you can also print out your own copy of this thought by clicking on www.limerickdiocese.org

S: We look forward to your company again next week, in the meantime, take care.

B & S: BYEEE

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