Weekly Meditation
Yesterday at Mass we heard that engaging gospel account of Jesus' compassionate encounter with the woman at the well in Samaria. He shared with her, not because he was that thirsty for water, but because he wanted to offer her a new way of living: to give her a taste of the "water" he could give to sooth her troubled soul and lead her to a deep joy of living as a result of coming to believe in Jesus and the truth, love, and forgiveness he offered.
Jesus is always ready and available for a compassionate encounter with each of us. He is anxious for us to meet him at our own "well in Samaria" during this Lent. We become more aware of his love as we reflect on his passion, death, and resurrection. His truth is the solid path for happy and meaningful living. His forgiveness is waiting for our openness to sorrow and reconciliation. Jesus is forever "the Way, the Truth, and the Life" for us and for all.
God of compassion, Father of all goodness, to heal the wounds our sins and selfishness bring upon us, you bid us turn to fasting, prayer, and sharing with our brothers and sisters. We acknowledge our sinfulness, our guilt is ever before us: when our weakness causes discouragement, let your compassion fill us with hope and lead us through a Lent of repentance to the beauty of Easter joy. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Alternate Opening Prayer, Third Sunday of Lent
Bishop William R. Houck
President Emeritus