by Sister Mary Kabat
Third Sunday of Lent
This Sunday’s Gospel is from John 4:5-42, the encounter of Jesus and the woman of Samaria. On this Sunday, we, Sisters and Associates, are gathering to celebrate our founders on this second Sunday of March: Fr. Edward Daems, a Crosier from Belgium, Christine Rousseau, Pauline La Plant, Pius Doyle and Mary Van Lanen.
Is there a connection? I think so.
The woman of Samaria took a courageous step in engaging Jesus, even challenging him after his request for a drink of water. Little did she know the encounter would change her life, transforming her into a disciple to the people of her town who would come to know Jesus for themselves.
Fr. Daems found himself to be the only remaining Crosier in the Green Bay Diocese serving the immigrants from Holy Cross Parish in Bay Settlement. He had a large territory to serve and invited women to assist him. These four women were the first to respond to his invitation – teaching the children, caring for the sick and needy who came to the door of the rectory, maintaining life at the parish while Fr. Daems was traveling to the settlements. They embraced Fr. Daems’ charism of Cross, Word and Eucharist and lived our charism of prayer, presence and hospitality which they passed on to us.
And didn’t the woman of Samaria do the same – “Come see a man who told me everything I have done.” The Samaritans invited him to stay with them, and he stayed for two days. May all who meet Jesus through our words and actions say – We no longer believe because of your words for we have heard him for ourselves, and know that He is truly the savior of the world.
Who will you introduce to Jesus this week?
Who will say they know Jesus now themselves because of your words and actions?
We are His hands and feet on earth, a good reminder of our mission. Thank you.