“He told me everything I have done …”

We continue reflecting on our Lenten theme of CHOICES. This weekend, we have the story of the woman at the well whom Jesus asks for a drink, even though she is the one who is really thirsty! He knew everything about her and he never judged her.

We live in a world today where knowledge is power, and at times we choose to use knowledge about others against them. Jesus’ knowledge of this woman’s past brokenness was the source of his compassionate reach towards her, and became the beginning of her healing.

In these busy Lenten days, we might all do well to think about the opportunities we have to be a source of healing and compassion to others who are thirsting for affirmation or consolation in their lives. Our choices are many! And rather than pass on information we may have about others as “gossip,” instead we can become the hands and heart of Christ bringing refreshment and relief to those whose souls are parched with life. The woman at the well was so moved, she chose to tell everyone: “He told me everything I have done.”

How would you have felt if it had been you? How will the story of the woman at the well cause me to think differently about my choices this coming week?

Have a great Lent. ~Padre