We have a book at the Newman Center called "Christian Courtship in an Oversexed World" by Father Tom Morrow which has been enjoyed by many GW Catholics. Father Morrow will be speaking at Tuesday night's discussion and will present many of the guidelines on Christian dating from the book as well as some new stuff. He is a popular national speaker, giving talks to young Catholics on dating and providing very clear, concrete tips on how to live chastity and prepare for marriage. So, bring your many questions on Tuesday for our discussion, "Christian Courtship in an Oversexed World".
For those of us who have had an encounter with Christ, today's Gospel story of the woman at the well is so relevant and meaningful. It's all about conversion of heart after meeting Christ. It's about God meeting us where we are, helping us with our mess, and thirsting for our love. In her, we can see ourselves because she is just like us!
We have students here tonight who are just like the Samaritan woman - they are experiencing a change of heart after encountering Christ and are preparing to become fully Catholic at Easter. Just like her, they are powerful witnesses to the Gospel.
When the woman comes to the well, she is simply looking to draw some water. She meets the Lord at Jacob's Well which is a huge biblical moment. Jesus starts talking about the water of eternal life, and she dismisses it, probably in a sarcastic way. She just wants some water. Filling her water jar is all she is concerned about. When I first met Christ, I was the same way. Well, except I was basically holding a beer mug and coming to a watering hole. But, God met me where I was.
Like many of us, she was a mess when she met Christ. He calls her out on her sin - she has had five husbands and is now with a sixth who is not her husband. He obviously addresses this painful situation with her in a helpful way because she has such a positive reaction to it. In fact, this is what changes her heart. He speaks the truth to her - the truth about herself and her mess. How many people in her life spoke the truth to her? He shows his great love and respect for her by speaking the truth in love. He speaks the truth about herself. (When we come to know Christ, we come to know ourselves). Then, He reveals the Truth to her about himself, that He is the Christ. She has such a good experience that she goes and tells others about it and about Him. She actually converts a whole town for Christ!
We might be scared to bring our mess to God. We might be afraid of what He will think of us. We can look at her and not be afraid. She basically goes to Confession to Him. This is what He really wanted from her. He wanted to clean up her mess. He wants to clean up your mess! He wants to forgive your sins. He wants to help you with your problems. He is the one Person who can do all these things. He came into the world to come into our mess..to come into our problems. As I said on Ash Wednesday, Matthew 11:28 tells us that he wants our mess.
Jesus says to her, "give me a drink". He is not thirsting for water; He is thirsting for her love. It's like on the Cross: when He says, "I thirst", it means that He thirsts for souls...for hearts...for love. He comes to the well for her love. He wants her heart. He wants your heart. His desire is that you give Him your heart. This is also my desire for you. I became a priest so that you will give your hearts to Christ...so that you will give Him your mess...so that you will know the Truth. Christ goes to great lengths and considerable risks to get her heart; I will do the same with you. Recently, a student came to me in the middle of the night for Confession. That's what I'm talking about. Whatever it takes! I want you to have the same experience as the woman at the well: an encounter with Christ and a conversion of heart.
Finally, how do we have such an encounter with Christ? The closest way is in the Eucharist. He is waiting for you in the tabernacle of the Newman Center chapel as He was waiting for her at the well. You won't hear Him speak out loud like she did, but you will hear Him speak to your heart. He will reveal the truth to you and help you with your mess. He thirsts for you...for your love...for your heart. Give Him your heart and let Him love you this Lent.
2 comments:
Having heard this homily in person, I can attest to its impact.
The story of the woman at the well is chock-full of many interesting ways of looking at our relationship with Christ, and indeed at Christ Himself. I have always found this story incredibly funny, and profound - even in law school, there was a sculptural depiction of this on campus where I used to pause and reflect. You gave me some new insight which I was not expecting after having paused and reflected over it for many years now, so thank you!
Thank you. This was EXACTLY what I needed to hear.
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