THE WOMAN AT THE WELL

Water is an essential part of our lives. Think about all the ways in which we use water: for drinking; cooking; washing; bathing; and swimming. Water brings life to plants. Then there are those places without water: the desert-dry and arid; countries where water is such a precious commodity that they must walk miles to get clean water. Things wither and die without water. And of course we know the destruction water can cause by flooding and the recent tsunami in Japan.

In the first reading today the Israelites were physically thirsty and they grumbled against God and Moses, who provided water for them to drink. In the Gospel the Samaritan Woman was spiritually thirsty. Her thirst is quenched when she meets a stranger by the well. This unnamed woman has looked for love and acceptance by drawing from wells that failed to satisfy. She longs for relationship with others and with God.

Are we not like the Samaritan Woman? We long to be in relationship with others. Our souls thirst for God. We seek truth about ourselves as well as the truth about our relationship with God. We draw water from countless wells: wells of success; wells of importance; wells of praise; wells of pleasure; and wells of pride. You can probably name some of your own wells.

Jesus, in his asking for a drink, was offering the grace of living water. The Samaritan Woman was resistant. She wanted to go about her own work and not be bothered by this Jewish man. Think about those times when you may have resisted grace. You may have been too busy, not open to change, did not want to go out of your way, and so on. As Jesus said, "...if you only knew who it is that is speaking to you."

The Samaritan woman, perhaps out of curiosity, continues to speak to and challenge the stranger. However as their conversation continues, she begins to listen and challenges less. She begins to let her guard down seeing that this man is someone who listens to her and is accepting of who she is. Slowly the grace of living water begins to seep into her thirsty soul. Then when Jesus reveals to her, "I am he who is speaking to you," the grace begins to flow and her soul is open to receive fully the grace of the life giving waters that Jesus is offering.

Do you remember a time during prayer or retreat when, after some reflection and resistance to grace, your heart and soul surrendered and opened to receive the grace that God was offering to you? Remember how it filled you with whatever emotion you might have experienced? Remember how is quenched your thirsty soul?

Little did the Samaritan Woman know that her ordinary task that day of drawing water would turn her world around and transform her. From thirsting and longing, she was given new hope and new life.

Jesus is the only well who quenches our thirsty soul and gives us new life. As Lent continues, let us draw closer to Jesus, our life giving water.

TRANSFORMATION

The gospel reading yesterday was about the Transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor. Jesus' clothes became dazzling white. Once again he was reassured that he was the beloved Son of God. I think the disciples who were with him were also reassured. My reflections led me in a couple of different directions.

Jesus was no longer just a carpenter from Nazareth. He had a mission to bring about the kingdom of God. He also taught others about God's abundant love and gracious mercy. He followed God's call wherever it took him. On Mount Tabor, Jesus must have gathered strength and confidence as well as the reassurance of his identity. He needed these qualities to continue his journey; a journey that would lead him to Jerusalem and to his death.

The disciples were also transformed. They saw a glimpse of Jesus' glory. They were in awe of the three presences they saw. These disciples followed Jesus closely. They also went where they were sent. Following Jesus must not have been easy for them. I would think that they had to experience the ridicule and hostility that Jesus experienced. They feared for their lives as well. Their journey led them to continue Jesus' mission even after his crucifixion and resurrection. Eventually, their journey also led to their death.

I could not help but remember the first time I heard the word transformation. I was thirty years old and attended a young adult retreat. The speaker talked about transformation, and although I can't remember all that he said, I do remember how his talk affected me. I knew that God was calling me to something more. I knew I was being called to transformation in my life. As I talked with him, I realized that I was beginning a new journey. This journey led to the people and places that guided me and strengthened me throughout this transformation. It was a twelve year journey of learning, praying, discerning God's will in my life. It was a journey of preparation to take the next step to a new transformation by entering community.

How has God called you to transformation? Who are the people and events that led you to be transformed?

SAINT JOSEPH'S DAY

On Saturday our congregation celebrated the Feast of Saint Joseph. We began with an uplifting liturgy. During the liturgy, the sisters renewed their vows and our associates renewed their commitment. I always find renewing our vows to be a sacred moment. It is each of us proclaiming our "Yes" once again. It is also a reminder of what we said yes to. It is a time to celebrate who we are as Sisters of Saint Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania. Our vows, our charism, our spirituality, and our mission are deeply a part of our being. As I said a couple of weeks ago, I thank God for this call and for who I am.

The liturgy was followed by a wonderful brunch. The celebration committee as well as others set and decorated the tables. Our kitchen staff outdid themselves in the preparation and serving. Door prizes were given out. An enjoyable time was had by all.

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

Today's Gospel reading from Matthew is about Jesus' temptation in the desert. He had just heard God calling him his "Beloved Son" when he was baptized in the Jordan. Then the Spirit led him into the desert. There he was tempted by Satan three times. I have heard some wonderful homilies on this passage. What I want to share is a reflection I remember that has always stuck with me and also some of my own thoughts.
Satan begins each of the three the temptations with, "IF you are the Son of God..." He is obviously aware of what Jesus heard at the Jordan and wants to test him. Satan tries to play on Jesus' weakness. He is expressing his doubt of Jesus' identity. By tempting him, Satan thinks that Jesus will also begin to doubt his own identity as the Son of God.

What about you? When, where, what and by whom have you found cause to doubt your own identity as a beloved son or daughter of God? Has there been a time when someone did not think you were good enough or capable enough to do a task or complete a job even when you thought you could do so? Did you do something to prove yourself, or did you just believe what the other person said? How did you feel? Was your self-confidence stripped away?

Perhaps there have been times when you caused yourself to not believe in your own identity as a beloved of God. You may have failed at a task. You may have lost your job. You may have hurt someone. So you put yourself down and doubt your own self-worth. You may even feel that you are unlovable. No matter what we say or do, God never disowns us and always calls us back. God never stops loving us, nor does God ever decide that we can't be God's beloved anymore. Being loved by God gives us dignity and strength to be and do all that we can in Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Often, when we are on retreat, we may given a chance to pray and reflect on how much God loves us. We are renewed and reminded that we are God's beloved son or daughter and that nothing can separate us from the love of God. We can rejoice in the graces we received because we do recognize who we are in the sight of God.

Remember, Satan will do or say anything to make you feel like an "Unbeloved" of God. In those times of temptation or doubt, allow yourself to be filled with the love of God. Hear God say to you, " You are my beloved son/daughter on whom my favor rests."

LENT

Lent began last Wednesday with Catholics receiving ashes on their foreheads as a sign reminding us of who we are and how we were made. This is a time to return to the Lord by prayer, fasting, and alms giving. It is a time of reflection and prayer. We do a lot of focusing on our physical well being. However, Lent is a time to focus on our spiritual well being. It calls us to renew our relationship with God, go deeper into prayer, be reconciled to others, and care for those in need. How will you spend this Lent?

While we are renewing our spiritual selves, nature is also renewing itself. We will see little more sunlight each evening. The snow will melt. The birds have already begun to chirp more. Hope for warmth and sunshine and summer days is renewed. We look forward to not only more sunlight but also the light of Christ to come back into our lives that we may share his light with others.

MAGNIFICAT

This past Tuesday, March 1st, was the nineteenth anniversary of my entrance into community. Each year, when this date comes around, I can't help feeling a sense of awe that God has called me to religious life. I say a prayer of thanksgiving and reflect on my life as a Sister of Saint Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania. Last year I wrote a Magnificat and I have been praying it ever since. I want to share it with you. The only change I made is the number of years.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord

And my spirit rejoices for the past nineteen years.

For God who has called me to religious life has blessed me.

Trustworthy is His name.

You have gifted me with courage to risk

You've graced me with perseverance and hope.

When I was down and desperate for help

you held me tightly.

You nourished my soul.

You have given me companions on the journey

Who guide me, strengthen me, and teach me.

They pray and listen, love and challenge me to grow.

For these I give thanks.

You have given me a vision for my life.

You've deepened a charism in me.

Drawing me closer to you has drawn me to long for

and love you more.

I am your delight!

From now on your love will chase after me

everyday of my life,

And I will know your love and fidelity

as you promised to me forever.