Công Giáo posted an update in the group
3 weeks ago
Dio CheyenneOn this Third Sunday of Lent, those who are preparing for baptism will experience the First Scrutiny, a rite that intends to open the eyes of their souls, so that they may carefully examine how sin works in their lives and make the intentional choice to turn away from sin. Although these rites are meant for the OCIA Elect, the Scrutinies help us all to live a life of continuous conversion.
The Gospel that accompanies the First Scrutiny tells the story of Jesus encountering the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus uses his physical thirst for water to open the dialogue, but his deeper thirst is for the salvation of this woman, who has come to the well to draw water during the heat of the day. Saint Augustine wrote: “Although Jesus asked for a drink, His real thirst was for this woman’s faith.” The Samaritan woman also thirsts. Her life is full of disappointment and humiliation, and she thirsts for love and acceptance. Jesus tells the woman her life and reveals himself as the Messiah, and she leaves her water jar, runs back to town, and says to the people: “Come see a man who told me everything I have done” (John 4:29).
Reflection: Jesus offers the Samaritan woman “a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14). We all thirst for the living water, and Christ thirsts for us to surrender our lives to Him. How do you experience Christ as “living water” for you? Are you ready to surrender your life to our Lord?
