St. Mark Catholic Church

For adult catechumens seeking the Sacrament of Baptism, this Sunday begins their period of purification and enlightenment.

Like today’s “woman at the well” they are challenged to look within to see what is weak, sick or sinful in their hearts so it can be healed, and they will be able to see what is honorable, strong, and holy which can be strengthened.

This time in the lives of catechumens needs to be fostered in each of us, the baptized, as well.

You and I must strive to order our lives toward the ongoing liberation from sin and the Devil. Jesus gave himself for us so we may live in His grace as our way, truth and life.

He summons us to purify our hearts and minds to be fortified against temptation, converted even at the level of our intentions, and to allow our wills to be awakened that we may cling more closely to Christ pursuing vigorously the desire to truly love God.

Are you resolved to have a more intimate sense of your place in Christ’s saving plan?

We can choose to grow in a more genuine self-knowledge that comes through a serious examination of our lives and true penitence.

The readings for the next three Sundays of Lent teach us the mystery of sin and enkindle a renewed longing to be rescued from its present and future consequences.

On Easter, after listening to Jesus throughout Lent and Holy Week, we’ll be invited to renew our Baptismal Promises and to continue our lessons in how the Pascal Mystery is lived.

Don’t just see the formulaic questions we’ll answer that day to pass by without much proper and serious consideration!

Today’s woman at the well should be a wake-up call for us also to be purified and to draw others to the saving light of life with Jesus.

Fr. Bob Burkemper