Sunday, March 15, 2020, Third Sunday of Lent
Exodus 17:3-7, Romans 5:1-2, 5-8, Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9, John 4:5-42
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031520.cfm
JESUS' MERCY FOR THE DESPISED
"God proves His love for us." -Romans 5:8
The Samaritan woman came to Jacob's well at about noon after all the other villagers had come to use the well (see Jn 4:6). She was possibly trying to avoid meeting people who despised her. She may have even despised herself and wanted in her self-hatred not to be seen in public.
However, Jesus was already at the well - waiting all by Himself to give amazing revelations to this most unlikely candidate. He spoke to her of God's gift of living water (Jn 4:10), becoming in her "a fountain ... leaping up to provide eternal life" (Jn 4:14). After beginning to reveal to her the Holy Spirit and Baptism, Jesus told her that He is the Messiah (Jn 4:26). The Samaritan woman then became an effective missionary, as she led many of her fellow villagers to faith in Jesus (Jn 4:39). Jesus, in His mercy, chose this despised woman to receive some of the greatest revelations ever given. Jesus made her His witness and graced her missionary work with power. God "chose the world's lowborn and despised, those who count for nothing" (1 Cor 1:28).
If your life is such that hardly anyone respects you, if you have ruined your life, you can still have "a future full of hope" (Jer 29:11), for Jesus is "rich in mercy" (Eph 2:4). Lord Jesus, have mercy on us.
Prayer: Father, during this Lent may I enter as never before into the depths of Jesus' heart of mercy (see Mt 11:29).
Promise: "They told the woman: 'No longer does our faith depend on your story. We have heard for ourselves, and we know that this really is the Savior of the world.' " -Jn 4:42
Praise: Praise You, Jesus, for never abandoning us. Lord Jesus, You are the beacon for all who "worship in Spirit and truth" (see Jn 4:24). All praise to You!
(For a related teaching on "Hope for the Hopeless", order, listen to, or download our CD 63-1 or DVD 63 on our website.)
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?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 8, 2019
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