Today’s Gospel presents us the reactions of the crowd to these words from Jesus: “Whoever believes in me, as scripture says: ‘Rivers of living water will flow from within him.’” (John 7:38)

Some said he was the Messiah, yet others used scripture to argue he could not be… “So a division occurred in the crowd because of him.” (John 7:43).

Those in the crowd were using their natural powers to try to understand a supernatural reality. And even though they did not have the Holy Spirit yet within them (for Jesus had not been glorified (cf. John 7:39), some of them did get it right: “This is the Messiah” (John 7:.43).

As human beings, we can recognize Truth when we hear it. Yet, also within us is the capacity to talk ourselves out of clarity and into complacency. Haven’t we all experienced that division within our hearts when our conscience tries to convict us, and our ego fights back? This division within ourselves does not feel good but is a good thing since it happens “because of Him.”

“Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

At the beginning of Lent, we heard the call to “rend our hearts.” Let us continue; let us persevere. Whether it is those finishing their preparations to be baptized, or those of us preparing to renew our baptismal vows, the deeper those trenches go, the deeper the living water will flow.

“Adore the deep wound in the Sacred Heart of Jesus; place yourself below this divine wound, so that the water flowing from it may purify you, and its divine blood sanctify you.” (Saint Peter Julian Eymard)

Let us pray:

“Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.” (Gospel Acclamation, cf. Luke 8:15)  “O Lord, my God, in you I take refuge.” (Responsorial Psalm)