A Message from Fr. Jay
Dear Friends,
Starting this weekend, and for the next two consecutive weeks, we will be hearing gospels on spiritual symbols of our faith: Water (Samaritan woman), Light (a blind man receiving sight) and Life (Lazarus raised from death).
The story of the Samaritan woman meeting Jesus at the well, is a symbolic bridal encounter of the Son of God being in love with humanity. Through their conversation, there is a transformation taking place within the Samaritan woman. First, she addresses Jesus as a Jew, then calls him Sir, then recognizes Him as a Prophet, and finally proclaiming Him as the Messiah.
Our baptism is our ‘well’ where we find our bridal encounter with God. God heals our original sin and gives us life. The transformation starts from the mere cleansing of our original sin, gaining strength and the power of God and proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah to the entire world.
Water gives life and carries life when it runs like a stream or river. Jesus still thirsts. His thirst is for souls. Let us hurry like the Samaritan woman to fetch the water of life. Let us intensify our Lenten efforts to quench the thirst of our souls.
After this weekend, starting March 9th, traffic will be challenging due to road work. I pray that you drive safely and if you are inconvenienced, please offer it as personal sacrifice to our Lord.
Let us not forget to pray for our country and all the countries concerned in the Middle East, to work proactively for peace. Let our soldiers receive our Lord’s protection and providence led by St. Michael the Archangel.
God Bless,
Fr. Jay Raju
- Reading 1: Exodus 17:3-7
- Reading 2: Romans 5:1-2, 5-8
- Gospel: John 4:5-42
