An Encounter with Jesus
By Fr. James Conlon,
St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Ann Arbor

I remember from my days at university and in Law School that I attended a lot of movies. I was particularly fond of "arty" movies, usually subtitled, from continental Europe and Australasia. I was reminded of these experiences when I attended the "The Passion of the Christ." So much has been written and spoken about that movie, everyone seems to have an opinion on its artistic, historical, cinema-graphic and, of course, its theological approach. I am sure if you have not seen it, you have read about it! I am no expert on movies but what has struck me most about this one is the amount of conversation it has engendered about its subject: Jesus of Nazareth. As Christians, we have definite ideas and beliefs about Him. They are central to the Gospels. We believe Him to be the "Anointed of God" and the "Chosen Son." For others, He is seen only as a great prophet or a holy man who had a profound influence on the world. Whatever is being said, we can be glad that the focus is on Jesus, especially at this Lenten time.

The Gospel readings from the Third, Fourth and Fifth Sundays of Lent come from the Gospel of John and reflect three encounters between Jesus and others -- namely the Samaritan Woman at the Well, the Blind man at the Pool of Siloam and the family of Lazarus at Bethany. What is important is that through their encounters with Jesus, their lives are radically changed. The first of these encounters occurs with the Woman at the Well. Here she is: multiple marriages behind her, living life on the margins not just as a woman but also as a Samaritan woman. At first, she is a bit bewildered by this encounter and even a little resistant to Jesus. Jesus speaks to he about "living water" and all she can see is well water! But gradually she is changed: watch how she moves from describing him as a "Jew" to later on a "Prophet" and then the possibility that He might be the long awaited "Christ" or Messiah. In a way, this is a religious education reduced into a short period of time. At the end of the encounter, she is clearly very different from the person she was at the start. She is a disciple who tells others about Jesus!

Oh, how our lives would be changed if we sat in real conversation with Jesus, especially at this Lenten season. If we let go of our resistance to his changing and life giving invitation, which is offered to each of us! If we stood before him with pretence or excuse, as we truly are! Find your place to encounter Christ and spend some time there this week and let His presence flood you with "living water" this Lenten season. Blessing on your continued Lenten journey!