Sooner or later each of us experiences the loss of a loved one. Usually, the closer we are to that person the greater is our grief. Grief is difficult. It touches us profoundly. The only response that satisfies comes from Jesus and it is always personal.
Today, we are at the mid-point of Lent. In our liturgical tradition this Sunday is called Laetare Sunday, coming from the first Latin word of the ancient Gregorian chant entrance song or Introit, which is in both forms of the Roman Rite. “Laetare” means “rejoice.”
Commemorating the 17 year anniversary of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross and the Roman Catholic Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary joining together in Salutations and Veneration of the relic of the Holy Cross of our Lord.
The encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman in the Gospel of St. John is one that is touching and yet profound. In our journey of faith much is revealed to us: Jesus is the living water, Jesus forgives our sins, Jesus heals us from the wounds of sin, Jesus quenches the thirst of souls, Jesus gives us the hope of life eternal, He fulfills our deepest longings and desires, God loves us and brings us salvation.
Sometimes it is said that the devil is present in thoughts of discouragement. I suppose that is said because if we become discouraged, then we can be tempted to give up the faith and thus lose hope.