First, we seek, then we find. Isn’t that how it happens? I lose some money, and then I look for it until I find it. When it comes to God, the initiative shifts; God pursues us and finds us. In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks a woman for water. She reminds him that Jews don’t speak to Samaritans. Jesus persists, offering living water. The woman questions how he can provide that water. She becomes interested because his words, if true, affect her personally; she won’t need to come to the well or carry water. Jesus tells her to call her husband. She shifts the subject to where Jews and Samaritans worship. Jesus reveals that he is the Messiah. The conversation is interrupted when the disciples arrive. She runs to tell the people of the town what he has revealed about her life — she has been found! They are curious; they leave the town to see Jesus. They believe because of her words. When they meet Jesus, they tell the woman that they believe because of Jesus himself. They, too, have been found!
Father John Powell, S.J., recounts the story of a student of his named Adam, a self-proclaimed atheist. At one point, the student asked Father if he thought Adam would ever find God. Father replied, “No, but God will find you” and wondered why he had said that. After some time, Adam called Father to say that he somehow sensed that God had found him. Father asked him to come to his theology class to share his experience. Adam agreed but later called to say he couldn’t make it. A few days later, the 24-year-old Adam died of cancer.
Jesus knew the hearts of the Samaritan woman and Adam. Despite their initial objections, God found ways to reach them. Gradually, his gentle invitations led each of them to respond to his plans. This Lent, the Church calls us to be open to the Lord’s invitation to draw closer through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. If the Lenten practices feel difficult, even after trying our best — relax! He has already found us.
Sister Gemma Pepera
