Blessed Sunday to all! It was amazing how in today’s Gospel, the Lord spoke to a Samaritan and a woman. Both were not accepted in the custom of their day, but Jesus broke these barriers. In fact, because of His sacrifice on the Cross, all of us became one in Him. As Catholics, we do not have division anymore like how humans think. No matter what race or place in the world, there is the Catholic Church. No matter how different or unique we are, we have one Father in Jesus Christ. We eat the same Body of Christ and drink from the same cup of the Blood of Christ in the Holy Mass.

Division exists only when the devil is present where he scatters seeds of evil thoughts and unforgiveness in our hearts. In this Lenten season, we are called to examine ourselves to root out any bitterness, anger, and resentment in our hearts. We must give them all to Christ and lay them all at the foot of His Cross. Only then could we have a truly meaningful Lent.

When we learn to forgive others and ourselves, it will be easier for us to accept the forgiveness and reconciliation that Christ offers us. Sin divides what was once the perfect union we have with God. He Himself and His Spirit of Truth is the spring of water welling up to eternal life and He lives within us. But those negativities, unforgiveness, and bitterness block the graces of God for us. They must be rooted out so God can truly work in us and with us. He will replace everything that was lost to us. He will heal and bind our wounds. After all, He is the Water that will satisfy the thirsts of our hearts. In trusting and obeying His word, we will have it and be truly satisfied – a fulfillment that could not be found in the world, unforgiveness, resentment, and vengeance.

Amen. +

Marga de Jesus| OLA Social Communications