Lenten Moments – Third Sunday of Lent – 2024

Walking on Holy Ground: A Lenten Journey

Jesus answered her,
“If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’
you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”
(John 4:10)

During ages such as these, in this time of terrorism and disasters, my sense is that the Spirit is inviting all of us to become masters of reverence. We must tread upon all ground with mindfulness and gratitude; we must move with care and kindness. Each encounter on grounds made holy – whether by the horrors of history, the hurt of humanity or by God’s creative work – is an opportunity to pass through with consciousness and love… (Walsh, We’re Standing on Holy Ground).

Reflection on the Samaritan woman at the well
This gospel tale is full of confusion and culturally uncomfortable situations. … The interaction between Jesus and the Samaritan woman is awkward. He shouldn’t be speaking to her. She shouldn’t be talking back to him. But I do like how she deems it necessary to explain the religious significance of the well… Out of this uncomfortable encounter comes a profound story of conversion and evangelization. Long before the Apostles seem to “get it” when it comes to Jesus as the Messiah, this Samaritan woman is preaching and converting her town to be his followers (Valders Paintner, Soul of a Pilgrim, 93).

Refection
Recall a time when you experienced awkward moments of encounter and blessing on your journey?

God of the Journey,
may this Lenten season challenge us
to a change of heart:
to live gently,
to love generously,
to count blessings and
to walk paths of peace
and inclusion.

Amen