Reflecting on Today’s Readings: 

Exodus 17:3–7 ; Romans 5:1–2, 5–8 ; John 4:5–42

In today’s readings, we see individuals and communities grappling with very real, tangible needs-hunger, thirst and shelter. As we reflect on these basic human needs, we think and pray for those who are forced to do without. How many of us have more than we need, too many things? Do we casually waste food or leave the water running?

The homeless on the streets, the hungry waiting in line for food, the orphan who has only one pair of shoes to her name-these are the poorest of the poor, the ones who truly don’t have enough. How do we respond to these needs? As Catholics, we are pro-life when we opt for the poor; we give a voice to the voiceless, we defend the most vulnerable, we give preference to those whom society has cast to the margins.

Jesus reminds us that, “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). We are called to work with and for the poor. As Pope Francis has reminded us, we are, as a Church, called to the margins of society. But sometimes this work can be discouraging; we may see little to no progress and be tempted to throw up our hands in defeat.

This week’s featured country, the Philippines, offers one such example where defeat seemed imminent. In the wake of a devastating typhoon, lives were destroyed-and we know this reality too well, thinking back to recent natural disasters in our own country. But as in the Leban family’s story and in our own experience, individuals rise to the challenge. Women and men, if empowered to do so, stand up to the difficulties at hand and move forward.

“We boast in hope of the glory of God,” Paul tells us today. This is our hope as an Easter people. In the midst of suffering and hopelessness, in the midst of struggle and challenge and defeat, we have the audacity to continue on, to celebrate the life around us in hope. “And,” as Paul continues, “hope does not disappoint.”