Family Activity

Play in the Fountain

This was the first of three long readings for Lent from John's Gospel. The first reading described the encounter of Jesus with the Samaritan woman at the well. After some banter about drawing water and ethnic hatred, Jesus cut to the heart of the matter: the offer of grace. He symbolized grace as "living water," water that bubbled forth like an artesian well.

Fountains have become an accessory in many homes and gardens. If your family does not have a fountain, find a park or recreation area that does. Visit the fountain area with your family and share John 4:7-15. Ask: how is water poured out from a fountain like God's life in us? ("God makes us happy" is one possible answer.) End the visit with a prayer thanking God for the gift of his life. And bless yourself with the "living water."