Lenten
Meditation - The Woman at the Well
In the story of the woman at the well, Jesus broke
through the barriers of prejudice, hostility, and tradition to bring the good
news of peace and reconciliation to Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles alike. He
demonstrated the universality of the gospel both in word and deed. No one is
barred from the love of God and the good news of salvation. There is only one
thing that can keep us from God and his redeeming love – our stubborn pride and
wilful rebellion.
What is the point of Jesus’ exchange with the
Samaritan woman about water? The kind of water which Jesus spoke about
was living, running, fresh, pure water. Fresh water from a cool running stream
was always preferred to the still water one might find in a pool or reservoir.
When the Israelites complained about lack of water in the wilderness, God
instructed Moses to strike the rock and a stream of fresh living water gushed
out (Exodus 17:6 ). Even though the Israelites did not trust God to care for
them in the wilderness, God, nonetheless gave them abundant water and provision
through the intercession of his servant Moses.
The image of "living water" is used
throughout the scriptures as a symbol of God’s wisdom, a wisdom that imparts
life and blessing to all who receive it. “The teaching of the wise is a
fountain of life” (Proverbs 13:14). "Living water" was also a
symbol for the Jews in their thirst of the soul for God. The water which Jesus
spoke of, symbolized the Holy Spirit and his work of recreating us in God’s image
and sustaining in us the new life which comes from God. The life which the Holy
Spirit produces in us makes us a "new creation" in Jesus Christ (2
Corinthians 5:17).
Confirmation
Meeting and Registration
The Confirmation meeting and registration will take
place on Monday March 27 at 7:30. Our gathering will focus on an
overview of the Sacrament of Confirmation. We would like parents/guardians and
students to attend. The donation we are asking for this year is $50.00 to cover
the cost of the student resources, the retreat and the gown rental. **Please
note that we require a copy of your child’s baptismal certificate at
registration**
Offertory
Envelopes & Tax Receipt
If you have not picked up your offertory envelopes
and/or tax Receipts for the year 2016, please do so at your earliest
convenience. If you have moved and not informed the office please let us
know, so we can up-date the information in our system.
Mass
and Stations of the Cross during Lent
Every Friday evening at 7 pm
I wish you all continued blessings in Lent!
Fr. Phil 