If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
All of us have things in our past that are signs of our brokenness. The woman at the well, from today's Gospel is an example; she was ashamed because she was a sinner. That’s why she was at the well at noon, in the heat of the day, when no one else was there – except Jesus.
Our primary hunger is not physical but spiritual. We long to have the love of God in our lives. Do we believe that we are lovable, that we are loved? Jesus never tries to shame us by our sin – it’s the evil one who shames us or our pride. The Lord wants us to admit our need – we are sinners in need of a savior.
The second reading from Romans tells us that hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts. While we were still sinners Christ died for us – for all of us.
As Pope Benedict has told us, “seen at a sufficiently deep level, healing is the essential message of the gospel.” Some of us may never have had that honest conversation with the Lord about our suffering. We may be carrying around identity lies, inner vows, and judgments of other people. These are the things we need healed of. What is the answer? Letting God’s love in more.
Fr. Steve gave testimony of his own healing last year. Healing is the central thrust of the gospel, he says, and we should seek it out.
(Fr. Steve mentioned that Sean and Liz O’Neill will be available for prayer in the John Paul II room after the 9am and 11am masses each Sunday.)
