The Lenten season is a time of reflection, repentance, and preparation to experience the agony of Good Friday and the joy of Easter Sunday. Jesus gives His life for us, so that we can have the promise of eternal life. Jesus’ gift to us is love. His love for us is so great that He is willing to die for us to forgive our sins. Let’s think about that for a second: we are the ones who have done wrong and He gives up His life, so that our sins can be forgiven.
The Gospel of John tells us the story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well. This is a very powerful story on many fronts. The first thing that struck me as I was reading this was that Jesus, a Jew, was talking to a Samaritan woman. The Jews looked down on the Samaritans as a lower class of people, yet Jesus looked beyond that and was willing to engage the woman, regardless of who she was. I think we should all reflect on this message and try our best to not judge people because of who they are, what they believe in, or how they look. Jesus can be our role model for not judging others. As a proud practicing Catholic, many times I am mocked for my belief in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His teachings. It is hurtful at times when people mock our belief in God. We live in an increasingly secular culture today and our faith is always being challenged. We are confronted each day with our belief in the sanctity of life or our belief in traditional marriage. Let us rise above it, as Jesus did, and love and respect all individuals for who they are.
This Gospel story is a great way to reflect on who we are and what our beliefs are. This story shows the symbolism of the conversation that Jesus has with the woman. We can envision that the questions the woman asks may be the same questions we ask. This conversation causes us to look at our lives and discover both the obstacles to faith and the power of Jesus to bring us to faith. How many times have we questioned God about why something happened to us? Maybe we have had a family tragedy, the loss of a loved one, or have had to deal an illness and we question God’s love. We question the crosses of life that we have had to bear. Let us remember that Jesus carried the ultimate cross when He was tortured and died for us. Remember that love He has for us each and every day. When we are going through a difficult time, know that He will always be there for us.
In this story, we see the contrast of the well water that the Samaritan woman gives Jesus with the living water that Jesus gives to us. Jesus tells the woman, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” This is such a powerful message and Jesus speaks to us in a simple way so that we may easily understand. God’s love for us is enduring and how lucky we are to be followers of Christ who will be with us in good times and bad for all of eternity.
As we go through this Lenten season, let us take some time to reflect on the message of Christ and go into the world to be messengers for God. Take some time to reflect on where you are and understand where God wants you to be. It can be difficult at times but even more rewarding to show God’s love to others.
May God bless you through your Lenten Journey. Remember: Easter is coming and God’s love will shine bright in the darkness.
~Dan Pirrello