Today is the third Sunday of Lent.
In his 2005 encyclical Deus Caritas Est Pope Benedict XVI wrote ” Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction.” This is exactly what happened to the Samaritan Woman at the Well in today’s Gospel.
She encountered Christ and was transformed. She then went and told others and brought them to Christ. That is what we are called to do as well. When we encounter others they should know we are Christians, by the way we love one another as well as other ways, and should be open to hearing the good news of what Christ has done for us. That good news has the potential of bringing others to Christ. We don’t have the power to transform others but our message and experience can lay the groundwork for the Holy Spirit to do His saving work.
I read that Benedict quote every year to the people in OCIA so they don’t think what we’re doing is all about religious education. There is a component of that in our meetings to be sure but I always want them to know learning about something is not the same as knowing and encountering someone.
During this Lenten time when we’re focuing on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving it’s good to remember what our faith is all about: a who not a what.
This is the first weekend of Spring break down here. Our college students are mostly gone to wherever they’re going to enjoy some rest and relaxation and our town is less crowded. It’s a good break for all of us. It’s easier to get into restaurants and to find a place to park around the campus. Being in a college town kind of forces you to experience the goodness of the break even during Lent.
Finally, I want to note the passing of former Blessed Sacrament office manager Margaret Antenan. I worked with Margaret a good bit over the years and I always found her helpful. She was a person of great faith and had a desire to help others come to Christ. I’m grateful for having known her. Margaret had a lot of medical issues over the years and I’m glad those are over for her. I pray for the repose of her soul. May she rest in peace.
That’s it for now. Thanks for reading.
I hope you have a great, and relaxing, week.
Peace, Bob
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