Let the Living Water Flow

In John 4:13-14, Jesus says to the Samaritan woman:

“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

This story reveals a profound truth about the transformation that Jesus brings into our lives. He not only quenches our spiritual thirst but also makes us channels of blessing for others.

An Unexpected Encounter

Jesus chose to pass through Samaria, a place Jews usually avoided. On His journey, He met a Samaritan woman at a well. Unlike other women who would go in the morning or evening, she went at an hour when she expected to be alone. She was possibly trying to avoid judgmental stares, rejection, and shame. But instead of being alone, she encountered the source of living water.

Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman shows us that the gospel knows no political, geographical, ethnic, cultural, or social boundaries. Jesus spoke to this woman, breaking barriers of religion, prejudice, and gender. She needed to hear about the God who restores, transforms, and forgives. And not only her, but her entire community as well.

The Living Water

Jesus compares His message to water. In the Bible, water symbolizes:

• Purification (as in the tabernacle rituals).

• Sanctification (the Holy Spirit transforming us).

• Satisfaction (He quenches our spiritual thirst).

• New life (represented in baptism).

When Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman about living water, He was offering her something far greater than anything she had ever sought; and when she received it, she couldn’t keep it to herself. She left her water jar and ran to tell others about the One who had confronted and transformed her.

Stagnant Water or Living Water?

The Samaritan woman let the living water flow in her life and through her. Her testimony led many others to believe in Jesus.

As we reflect on this, we must ask ourselves: What kind of water are we? Are we living water or stagnant water?

• Stagnant water (like a swamp) is still and starts to decay. Stagnant water does not flow, has a bad smell, and is not useful for giving life. It is not attractive to look at, nor does it invite people to come near.

• Living water (like a river) flows constantly, refreshing and transforming everything in its path. It does not remain the same; like a river, it grows when it receives more water, changing the landscape and environment where it is found.

When we keep what God has done in our lives to ourselves without sharing it, we risk becoming stagnant water. However, when we share His love and message with others, the living water continues to flow.

Our Mission

Jesus calls us to be part of His mission. We cannot remain silent about what we have received. As Romans 10:14-15 says: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? ... How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

God has chosen us and sent us to carry His message. Let us not remain stagnant. Let the living water flow in us and through us so that others may come to know the Savior of the world.

It's important to ask ourselves: Am I allowing the living water to flow in my life? Am I sharing with others what God has done in me? How can I impact my community with God’s love?

May our prayer be:

“Lord, let the living water of Your presence flow in me and through me, so that others may come to know You.”

Photo: Las Cabezas de San Juan. Luquillo, Puerto Rico (January 2025)