Love in Lent

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Imagine, just imagine meeting Jesus in person.  What would you say to him?  How would you react?  Would you start complaining to him, or would you drop to your knees?

In John's gospel (Chapter 4, Verses 5-42) we hear the account of a Samaritan woman who goes to collect water in the middle of the day.  There are reasons that she went at that time of day.  I'm not going to get into them right now, but, as the passage unfolds, she comes across Jesus sitting at the well, resting, because he was tired.

They have an interesting exchange, and you definitely should read the entire passage, but here's what I don't want you to miss . . .

After the woman encountered Jesus, and once she realized he was a prophet, maybe even the Messiah (the expected savior), she ran into town (leaving her water jar behind!) and told the people:

“Come see a man who told me everything I have done. Could he possibly be the Christ?”

What did Jesus say to her that was so significant, even for us today?

Jesus knew the woman was thirsty because she was coming to a well to draw water.  He told her he could make it so she never thirsted again. He knew, and acknowledged her sketchy past, without her even telling him.  And, finally, he told her that yes, indeed, she was speaking to the Messiah.

Look at the big picture. The woman has an unexpected encounter with Jesus.  He gives her new life, and she goes and tells everyone.  She just had to share the good news.  She couldn't keep it to herself.

If you have encountered Jesus in your life, you know exactly what I am talking about.  Because you love others, you want them to experience what you have experienced.  Once you have an encounter with Jesus, your life changes.

Unfortunately, just telling people about Jesus is not the same as them having an encounter with him.  That is why it is so difficult to evangelize.  Disciples can tell other people (and they should!) about their own encounter, but as we all know, describing someone (Jesus) is not the same as knowing him.

This gift of himself that Jesus gives to each and every one of us depends on our openness to receive him.  There's no secret sauce here.  Jesus is not hiding behind a curtain, ready to jump out once you find him.  It just isn't like that.

Jesus loves us.  He doesn't play games with us. And right now, he is waiting for YOU.  You may find that taking the first step and turning toward him is hard, but that's only because you are afraid.  It is not because he makes it difficult.

Love is waiting for you this Lent.  Open your mind and heart and receive him.  You will never regret it.

Janet Cassidy
#lent
#love

 

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